Online niche lab supplies shop

School science departments, vet clinics, small testing and research labs, brewers, hobbyists and university groups buying outside big supplier contracts.

You buy at trade prices and sell at a markup. Repeat orders of consumables are the steady earner, and instruments bring bigger one-off sales.

• Basic knowledge of lab products
• Building relationships with suppliers
• Online selling and customer service
• Careful record keeping

• Dangerous goods rules for chemicals differ by state, so check storage, labelling and shipping rules before selling any hazardous items
• Diagnostic or medical-type devices may fall under the Therapeutic Goods Administration, check before listing them
• Public liability and product liability insurance
• Check the council rules for storing stock at home
• Thin margins against large established suppliers, so a clear niche matters
• If you import, check customs and biosecurity requirements and GST on goods

Startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on your website, the range you stock and how you source products. These are estimates only, so your own costs will vary.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your niche, customers and product range. Margins can be thin against large established suppliers, so a clear niche matters. These are estimates only.

Dangerous goods rules for chemicals differ by state, so check storage, labelling and shipping before selling hazardous items. Diagnostic or medical-type devices may fall under the Therapeutic Goods Administration. Also check insurance, council rules for storing stock at home, and customs, biosecurity and GST if importing.