Handmade metal homewares from a home workshop

Market shoppers, online buyers, gift seekers and a few local gift shops or cafes.

Direct sales of finished pieces at markets and online, plus the occasional custom order or small wholesale order from a shop.

• Basic metalworking such as cutting, bending, welding or finishing
• Product design and a good eye for finish
• Photography and online selling
• Costing and pricing your time

• Check with your local council whether you need approval to run a home-based business, including noise and fumes
• Public liability and product liability insurance, especially for items used with food or heat
• Safe workshop practice: ventilation, eye and hearing protection, fire safety and welding fumes
• Items that contact food may need suitable materials, so check the relevant standards
• Check your home insurance still covers equipment and stock

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on the tools, materials, safety gear and insurance you need. These are estimates only, so cost your first product range before you buy equipment.

Monthly revenue is typically around $300 to $2,500, depending on what you make, your prices and how often you sell at markets or online. This is an estimate of revenue before materials and other costs.

Check with your local council whether you need approval for a home-based business, including noise and fumes. Also check public and product liability insurance, safe workshop practice, standards for food-contact items, and whether your home insurance covers equipment and stock.