Online hobby and model kit store

Hobbyists, collectors, parents buying gifts and crafters who can't find specialist items locally.

Profit on the markup between wholesale and retail prices, plus postage charged to the customer. Bundles and starter sets help lift the order value.

• Knowledge of one hobby area
• Basic website or marketplace setup
• Stock and order tracking
• Customer service

• Check whether you need to register for GST once turnover reaches the threshold
• Some items such as hobby knives, craft blades or certain model products may have restrictions, check with your state authority
• Toys and children's products must meet Australian safety standards, check with the ACCC
• Postage costs and returns can eat into margins, so price carefully
• Public liability and product insurance, check what cover you need
• Slow-selling stock can tie up your cash

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on how much stock you buy and how you set up your website or marketplace listings.

Check whether you need to register for GST once turnover reaches the threshold. Some items like hobby knives may have restrictions, and toys must meet Australian safety standards, so check with your state authority and the ACCC. Also check insurance cover.

Monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $5,000, depending on your range, pricing and how many customers you reach. Postage, returns and slow-selling stock can reduce margins, so price carefully.