Home-Based jewellery exporter (buy to order)

Independent boutiques, gift shops, galleries and small distributors overseas.

You buy from makers at a wholesale price and sell to retailers at a higher export price. The difference, less shipping, fees and exchange costs, is your margin.

• Selling and negotiating by email and video call
• Spotting good quality and design
• Organised with orders, paperwork and shipping

• Check Australian Border Force and your freight forwarder's requirements for export declarations and paperwork
• Check import rules, duties and any hallmarking or labelling rules in each destination country
• Materials such as coral, shell, tortoiseshell or some pearls can be restricted under wildlife trade rules, so check before sourcing
• Ask the ATO how GST applies to exports and whether you must register
• Check whether AUSTRAC anti-money laundering rules apply to dealing in precious metals or stones
• Payment risk with new overseas buyers: consider upfront payment or secure payment platforms
• Transit insurance and public liability insurance
• Exchange rate swings can reduce your margin

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on your catalogue, samples, website and insurance. Because you buy from makers only once a retailer orders, you avoid holding much stock.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on how many overseas retailers you win and the size of their orders. This is revenue before costs such as shipping and insurance.

Check Australian Border Force export paperwork and each destination's import, duty and hallmarking rules. Also check wildlife trade rules for materials like coral or shell, whether AUSTRAC rules apply, and how GST applies to exports with the ATO.