Online needlework and stitching shop

Hobby stitchers, gift buyers and people picking up a new craft, including those in regional areas with no local needlework shop.

You buy stock wholesale and sell at a markup. Extra income can come from curated starter kits, pattern bundles and your own kit designs.

• Knowing stitching products and what hobbyists want
• Basic website and photo skills
• Organised stock and order handling

• Check whether you need to register for GST once your turnover reaches the threshold
• Check your home-based business rules with your local council if you store stock at home
• Postage costs and returns can eat margins, so price shipping carefully
• Selling other designers' patterns or kits needs permission, so check copyright and licensing terms
• Unsold stock ties up cash, so start with a small range

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $8,000, depending on your product range, website setup and how much initial stock you buy. Starting with a small range can keep cash tied up in unsold stock lower.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $500 to $4,000, depending on your range, how well you attract stitchers and your pricing. That is revenue before stock, postage and returns, which can eat into margins.

Check whether you need to register for GST once turnover reaches the threshold, and your local council's home-based business rules if you store stock at home. Also check you have permission to sell other designers' patterns or kits, including copyright and licensing terms.