Online foam supplier for makers and DIY

Craft businesses, cosplay and prop makers, campervan and boat owners, home DIYers, small upholsterers and market stallholders.

You sell packs and cut-to-size pieces at a markup over your wholesale price, with extra for custom cuts. Bundles with glue, covers or fabric can lift the order value.

• Setting up and running an online shop
• Packing bulky items and comparing couriers
• Writing clear product descriptions
• Answering customer questions

• Check with your council whether you can store stock and run a home-based business from your address
• Bulky parcels can cost a lot to ship, so test prices before you promise delivery rates
• Foam is flammable, so store it safely and check with your insurer about stock cover
• Customers may assume foam suits a use it is not rated for, so state the density and limits clearly
• Public liability and product liability insurance, and GST registration once you reach the threshold

Startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on your stock, website set-up and storage. Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your range and how many customers you reach.

Check with your council whether you can store stock and run a home-based business from your address. Foam is flammable, so store it safely and ask your insurer about stock cover, along with public and product liability insurance.

Bulky parcels can cost a lot to ship, so test courier prices before you promise delivery rates. Also state each foam's density and limits clearly, as customers may assume it suits a use it is not rated for.