Online novelty gift shop

Online shoppers looking for gifts, party items and quirky products, often buying for birthdays, Secret Santa and events.

You sell products at a markup over wholesale cost, plus shipping charges. Gift bundles and seasonal promotions help lift order value.

• Product sourcing
• Basic online shop setup
• Product photos and descriptions
• Social media marketing

• Australian Consumer Law, including refunds, repairs and accurate product descriptions
• Product safety rules for toys and novelty items, so check the ACCC guidance
• Long overseas shipping times from dropship suppliers can lead to complaints
• Marketing costs and postage can eat into margins
• Check whether GST registration is needed once turnover reaches the threshold, and whether council approval is needed for home storage and a home-based business

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $1,000 to $7,000, depending on your stock, online shop set-up, packaging and marketing. Dropshipping may change what you need upfront, so get your own quotes before spending.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue of typically around $500 to $5,000, depending on your products, niche and marketing. Revenue is not profit, since marketing and postage can eat into margins. You could start at about 8 hours a week.

Check Australian Consumer Law, including refunds, repairs and accurate descriptions, and ACCC product safety guidance for toys and novelty items. Also check GST registration once turnover reaches the threshold, and council approval for home storage and a home-based business.