Online catering supplies store

Small cafes, caterers, food truck and market operators, home-based food businesses, and some party and home cooking customers.

You sell at a markup over wholesale prices, with bulk-buy discounts to encourage repeat trade orders. Margins depend on postage costs and how much you carry in stock.

• Setting up and running an online shop
• Product knowledge and listing writing
• Order packing and customer service

• Freight costs on bulky or heavy items can wipe out margin, work them out before listing
• Public liability and product liability insurance, check what your insurer needs
• Check product safety and food-contact material requirements for imported goods
• Check Australian Consumer Law rules on refunds and returns
• ABN, and GST registration once you reach the turnover threshold
• Check council approval if you store stock or pack orders at home

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on your website, opening stock, packaging and insurance. Costs vary with how much stock you hold compared with using dropshipping.

Check freight costs on bulky items, product safety and food-contact rules for imported goods, Australian Consumer Law on refunds and returns, insurance needs, and council approval if you store or pack stock at home.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on your range, pricing and customers. Freight costs on heavy items can cut into margin. It can start at around 15 hours a week.