Medical bookshop near a campus or hospital

Medical and health students, junior doctors, nurses, hospital staff and researchers who want to see books before buying.

Retail margin on books and accessories, with busy periods at the start of semesters. Adding an online store and course bundles can smooth out quieter months.

• Retail and stock control
• Understanding what students and clinicians need
• Customer service
• Managing a budget and a lease

• Lease terms and rent, as these are the biggest fixed cost
• Unsold stock when editions change or courses update their reading lists
• Competition from online retailers and university-run stores, check campus rules on outside sellers
• Public liability and shop contents insurance, and workers compensation once you hire staff
• Register for an ABN, and check when you need to register for GST

Startup costs are typically around $40,000 to $120,000, depending on the premises, fit-out and how much stock you hold. These are estimates only. Rent is likely the biggest fixed cost, so check lease terms carefully.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $8,000 to $35,000, depending on location, range and customer numbers. Unsold stock when editions change or reading lists update can affect results, so plan your ordering carefully.

Check your lease terms and rent, and check campus rules on outside sellers. Consider competition from online retailers and university-run stores. Also check public liability and contents insurance, workers compensation once you hire, and ABN and GST registration.