Niche product importer run from home

Independent shops, cafés, gyms, salons, small businesses and online sellers who want a product they can't easily get locally.

You buy at a factory or trade price and sell at a wholesale price. Your margin must cover shipping, customs, GST timing, storage and any returns.

• Negotiating with suppliers
• Spotting products local buyers want
• Organised with orders, stock and paperwork

• Check Australian Border Force rules on prohibited and restricted goods, and what import declarations or duties apply to your products
• Check ACCC product safety and labelling rules, since some goods have mandatory standards or bans
• Check biosecurity requirements if your goods involve wood, food, plants or animal products
• Check whether your council allows stock storage at home for a home-based business
• Exchange rate swings, shipping delays and unsold stock can tie up your cash
• Public liability and product liability insurance, and avoid copied or counterfeit brands

Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your product range, order size and whether you store stock at home or with a 3PL warehouse. These are estimates, so get supplier quotes before you commit.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $8,000, depending on the products you bring in, your order sizes and how many shops or businesses you sell to. This is an estimate of revenue before costs, not profit.

Check Australian Border Force rules on prohibited and restricted goods, plus import declarations and duties for your products. Also check ACCC product safety and labelling rules, biosecurity requirements, and whether your council allows stock storage at home.