Online record and CD shop

Record collectors, DJs, music fans and people buying gifts, in Australia and overseas.

You sell stock for more than you paid for it. Income comes from the margin on each sale, plus postage charged to the buyer.

• Knowledge of music and record grading
• Spotting good-value stock
• Photography and writing listings
• Careful packing and posting

• GST registration is required once turnover reaches the threshold, check with the ATO
• Running from home may need council approval, check with your local council
• Stock tied up in unsold records, buy carefully at the start
• Damage in the post, use proper mailers and consider postage insurance
• Counterfeit or bootleg items, learn how to spot them before buying

Startup costs are typically around $1,000 to $6,000, depending on how much stock you buy and how you sell online. Buy carefully at the start, since unsold records can tie up your cash.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $500 to $4,000, depending on your stock, listings and whether you sell to collectors in Australia or overseas. These are revenue estimates, before stock and postage costs.

Check with the ATO about GST registration once your turnover reaches the threshold, and with your local council about running a business from home. Also learn how to spot counterfeit or bootleg items, and consider postage insurance for damage.