Online music accessories shop

Hobby players, students, parents, teachers and small bands who prefer to buy online or live far from a music shop.

Margin on each item sold, with higher earnings from small, easy-to-post accessories and repeat orders for strings and consumables.

• Online selling and basic website setup
• Product knowledge in your niche
• Organised stock and order handling

• Check with your local council whether running a home-based business or storing stock at home needs approval
• Postage costs on bulky items like guitars, and damage in transit
• Australian Consumer Law on returns and faulty goods, plus ABN and GST once you reach the threshold
• Public liability and stock insurance
• Import costs, GST and delays if you buy from overseas suppliers
• Check the licensing rules for selling or copying printed sheet music

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your niche, opening stock and website setup. If you buy from overseas suppliers, allow for import costs, GST and possible delays.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on your niche, range and how many customers you reach. These are revenue figures, so stock, postage and other costs come out of that.

Check whether your council requires approval for a home-based business or for storing stock at home. Also check Australian Consumer Law on returns and faulty goods, ABN and GST, insurance, and the licensing rules for selling or copying printed sheet music.