Small magic shop with a demo counter

Local hobbyists, parents, gift buyers, magicians and entertainers, plus class and party customers.

Retail margin on products, plus fees from classes, workshops and parties, and online sales to widen your reach beyond the shop.

• Strong magic knowledge and demo skills
• Retail and stock management
• Teaching or running small groups
• Managing a lease and budget

• Lease terms, rent and fit-out costs are the biggest risk, so get advice before you sign
• Check council planning and signage rules for your premises
• Public liability and contents insurance are worth checking
• Workers compensation insurance is needed once you hire staff, so check your state's scheme
• Running kids' classes or parties may need a working with children check in your state

Startup costs are typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on your lease, fit-out and opening stock. Lease terms, rent and fit-out are the biggest risk, so get advice before you sign anything.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $6,000 to $25,000, depending on location, stock range and whether you add classes, parties or club nights. Plan on about 35 hours a week or more to run the shop.

Things to check: lease terms, council planning and signage rules for your premises, public liability and contents insurance, workers compensation once you hire staff under your state's scheme, and whether kids' classes or parties need a working with children check.