Local hobby shop with a shopfront
Open a small shop for model kits, craft supplies and games, and become the local hub for hobbyists.
- A$25k-100k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
A small retail shop stocking model kits, paints, craft supplies, board games and accessories, often with a table for play sessions, workshops or club nights.
Your first three steps
- Research local competition and nearby hobby communities, and talk to wholesalers about minimum orders
- Write a simple budget covering rent, fit-out, stock and wages, and register your ABN
- Find a small affordable site and plan a launch with local clubs and a few events
Who pays
Local hobbyists, families, gift buyers, schools and clubs.
How it makes money
Retail margin on products, plus income from workshops, game nights, and an online store alongside the shopfront.
Skills that help
- Deep hobby knowledge
- Stock buying and pricing
- Customer service and community building
- Managing a budget and a lease
Watch out for
- Commercial lease terms, bonds and fit-out costs, get advice before signing
- Check with your local council about zoning and signage approvals
- Public liability and contents insurance, and workers compensation once you hire staff
- Toys and children's products must meet Australian safety standards, check with the ACCC
- Stock ties up a lot of cash and online competition is strong, so build community and events
- Check GST registration requirements
Deep research report · Australia
Everything you need to start: local hobby shop with a shopfront
Researched with live web search for Australia: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to open a hobby shop in Australia?
Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $25,000 to $100,000, depending on your lease, fit-out and how much stock you buy. Stock can tie up a lot of cash, so plan your budget carefully.
What should I check before leasing a hobby shop?
Check commercial lease terms, bonds and fit-out costs, and get advice before signing. Also check council zoning and signage approvals, insurance including workers compensation once you hire staff, GST registration, and toy safety standards with the ACCC.
How much revenue can a hobby shop make?
Monthly revenue is typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on your location, range and events. Estimates assume at least about 40 hours a week, and online competition is strong, so building community matters.
Other ways to run this business
Online hobby and model kit store
Sell model kits, craft supplies and games to enthusiasts across Australia from a website and marketplaces.
- A$2k-10k
- Side hustle
- Online
Hobby and craft market stall
Sell craft supplies, kits and games from a stall at weekend markets and hobby fairs.
- A$1.5k-6k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
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