Online oriental rug seller

Homeowners furnishing a new place, renters wanting a statement piece, and interior stylists looking for one-off pieces.

You buy rugs at wholesale or trade prices and sell at a markup. Larger or one-off pieces bring a higher margin per sale.

• Knowing rug types, materials and quality
• Good product photography and descriptions
• Supplier negotiation and order handling

• Import duties, GST on imports and biosecurity rules for rugs, check with the Australian Border Force and the Department of Agriculture
• Wool and natural fibre rugs may need to meet biosecurity conditions, so confirm with your supplier and freight agent
• Honest descriptions of origin and materials, as Australian Consumer Law applies to what you claim
• Returns and shipping damage on large, heavy items, so plan a clear policy
• Cash tied up in stock before you make sales, so start small

Startup costs are estimates, typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how many rugs you buy, shipping and your website setup. Starting small limits the cash tied up in stock before you make sales.

Monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $5,000, depending on your rug range, pricing and how well you present and promote each piece online. Estimates start from about 8 hours a week.

Check import duties, GST on imports and biosecurity rules with the Australian Border Force and the Department of Agriculture. Wool and natural fibre rugs may have conditions, and Australian Consumer Law applies to your claims about origin and materials.