Online lighting store

Households decorating or renovating, renters wanting a style update, and small businesses buying fittings for a space.

Mark-up on each item sold, less shipping and platform fees. Focusing on a niche, such as kids' room lights or designer-style lamps, can help you stand out.

• Setting up and running an online shop
• Product photography and descriptions
• Customer service by email or chat
• Basic bookkeeping and stock tracking

• Electrical goods must meet Australian safety and compliance standards, so check with your state electrical safety regulator and the ACCC before selling
• Australian Consumer Law covers refunds, faulty goods and warranties, so check what you must offer
• Fragile items can break in transit, so factor in packaging and insurance
• If you sell from home, check whether your council needs approval for a home-based business
• Register for an ABN and check when GST registration is needed
• Public liability and product liability insurance

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $2,000 to $15,000, depending on whether you hold stock or have suppliers ship direct, plus your website and photography. Fragile items need packaging and insurance, so factor those in.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue typically around $800 to $4,000, depending on your range, pricing and marketing. The estimate assumes at least 8 hours a week, so it can begin as a part-time business run from home.

Check Australian safety and compliance standards for electrical goods with your state electrical safety regulator and the ACCC. Check what Australian Consumer Law requires for refunds and warranties, plus ABN and GST registration, insurance, and council approval if selling from home.