Local marine supplies shop

Boat owners, marinas, sailing clubs, fishing charter operators and boat repairers who need parts quickly.

Retail mark-up on stock, trade pricing for clubs and marinas, and add-on services such as lifejacket servicing or flare disposal collection if you set these up.

• Good boating knowledge
• Buying and stock control
• Customer service
• Basic bookkeeping

• Stock is a big upfront cost and slow sellers tie up cash, start with a focused range
• Trade is seasonal and weather dependent in many areas
• Safety gear must meet Australian standards and state boating rules, check with your state's maritime authority
• Flares and some chemicals are dangerous goods with storage and display rules, check with your state's regulator and council
• Public liability, product liability and stock insurance, plus workers compensation if you hire staff
• Check retail lease terms and council approvals for the premises, and register for GST when required

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $40,000 to $150,000, depending on your premises, fit-out and especially how much opening stock you buy. Treat these as estimates, and consider starting with a focused range to limit cash tied up.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on your location, range and how many local boaties, marinas and charter operators buy from you. Trade is seasonal and weather dependent in many areas.

Check that safety gear meets Australian standards and state boating rules. Also check dangerous goods storage and display rules for flares and chemicals, retail lease terms, council approvals, GST registration, insurance, and workers compensation if you hire staff.