Map and Travel Shop

Walkers, hikers, 4WD and caravan travellers, boat owners, tourists, schools, and gift and collector buyers.

Retail margin on maps and books, plus higher-margin extras like accessories, framed maps, gifts and laminating. An online shop alongside can widen your customer base.

• Retail and customer service
• Good knowledge of maps and outdoor travel
• Stock control and buying
• Local marketing

• Retail lease rules differ by state and territory, so get advice before you sign
• Public liability insurance and contents insurance for stock
• Check supplier terms on any custom printing or framing of maps, as map data may be under copyright or licence
• Check how nautical charts must be sold and kept up to date
• GST registration once turnover reaches the threshold
• Foot traffic can be seasonal, so allow a cash buffer for quiet months
• Revenue for a niche shop is modest, so keep rent and stock levels low until you know your sales

Startup costs are typically around $20,000 to $80,000, depending on your premises, fit-out and how much stock you carry. These are estimates, so keep rent and stock levels low until you know your sales.

Monthly revenue is typically around $5,000 to $20,000, depending on your location, range and foot traffic. This is an estimate of revenue before costs. Revenue for a niche shop is modest, and foot traffic can be seasonal.

Retail lease rules differ by state and territory, so get advice before you sign. Also check public liability and contents insurance, supplier terms on custom printing or framing of maps, how nautical charts must be sold, and GST registration.