Online herbal products store

Customers across Australia buying for personal use, including people who cannot find a specialist herb shop nearby.

You sell products at a markup over wholesale cost, plus postage. Bundles, refills and subscription-style repeat orders can encourage return buyers.

• Basic website or online shop setup
• Product photos and clear descriptions
• Organised stock, packing and posting

• Check TGA rules on which products need ARTG listing or registration, and on advertising therapeutic claims online
• Check the Poisons Standard and import and biosecurity rules if you buy herbs from overseas
• Check FSANZ labelling and council food rules if you pack teas or loose herbs yourself
• Public liability and product liability insurance
• Consumer law on refunds and faulty goods, and postage costs eating into margin
• Storing stock at home may need council approval, so check before you start

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on your opening stock, website or shop platform, packaging and insurance. Treat this as an estimate and budget for postage and any compliance checks too.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your range, marketing and how many repeat customers you build. Postage costs can eat into margin. Plan on at least about 8 hours a week.

Check TGA rules on ARTG listing or registration and on advertising therapeutic claims online. Check the Poisons Standard, import and biosecurity rules for overseas herbs, FSANZ labelling, council food rules if you pack products, and insurance and consumer law.