Start a home-based lampshade wholesaler

Independent lighting shops, homewares retailers, interior designers and furniture stores that want reliable stock without buying from a big distributor.

You buy at a factory or wholesale price and sell at a trade price with a margin, usually with minimum order quantities. Repeat orders from regular stockists are the core of the income.

• Sourcing and negotiating with suppliers
• Organised stock and order handling
• Selling to trade customers
• An eye for style and colour trends

• Importing: check customs, import duty and GST on imports with the Australian Border Force and your accountant
• If you supply shades with fittings or electrical parts, check electrical safety and labelling rules with your state regulator
• Home-based business may need approval from your local council, especially with bulk deliveries or stock storage
• Public liability and product liability insurance, plus insurance for stock
• Cash tied up in stock and long customer payment terms; shades are bulky and easy to damage in transit

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $5,000 to $20,000, depending on how much stock you buy, whether you import or buy locally, and your storage and insurance. Stock ties up cash, so plan your first orders carefully.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your range, how many trade customers you win and their payment terms. Revenue is not the same as profit.

Check customs, import duty and GST on imports with the Australian Border Force and your accountant. If you supply fittings or electrical parts, check safety and labelling rules with your state regulator. Also check council approval for home-based business, and insurance.