Online boating parts and safety gear store

Recreational boat owners, fishers, small charter operators and sailing clubs buying outside shop hours or from regional areas.

Mark-up on each product sold, plus extra margin on bundles such as a safety pack for a new boat. Postage is charged to the customer or built into prices.

• Knowledge of boats and boating gear
• Online selling and basic product photography
• Stock and order management
• Customer service

• Safety gear such as lifejackets, flares and EPIRBs must meet Australian standards and state or territory boating rules, check with your state's maritime authority and your supplier
• Flares and some marine products are dangerous goods with restrictions on postage and storage, check Australia Post and courier rules
• Australian Consumer Law applies to refunds, warranties and product claims
• Register for GST once turnover reaches the threshold
• Check council rules if you store stock at home, and your insurance cover for stock and product liability

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on whether you hold your own stock or have suppliers ship direct, plus your website and photography. Treat this as an estimate and start with a focused range.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $800 to $6,000, depending on your range, how well you attract boat owners online, and the size of your orders. Revenue is before stock, postage and other costs.

Check that lifejackets, flares and EPIRBs meet Australian standards and your state's boating rules. Also check postage rules for flares and other dangerous goods, Australian Consumer Law on refunds and warranties, GST registration, and insurance for stock and products.