Supportive and orthopaedic shoe shop

Older people, people on their feet all day, people with diabetes or arthritis, and anyone sent your way by a local podiatrist or physio. Customers pay you directly.

Retail margin on each pair of shoes, plus extras such as insoles, socks, shoe care and adjustments. Repeat customers and referrals from health professionals build steady sales.

• Patient, friendly customer service
• Careful foot measuring and fitting
• Stock buying and managing cash flow

• Stock is your biggest cost, so check supplier minimum orders and how returns or exchanges work
• Selling shoes is not the same as treating foot conditions. Check what you can say or claim, and keep health advice to registered professionals
• Custom orthotics are usually made by podiatrists or pedorthists, so check any rules before offering them
• Commercial lease terms, public liability and shop insurance, and GST registration once you reach the threshold
• Check council and landlord rules on signage and fit-out

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $40,000 to $120,000, depending on your premises and range. Stock is your biggest cost, so check supplier minimum orders and how returns or exchanges work before you commit.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $12,000 to $45,000, depending on your location, stock range and how many customers you attract. These are revenue figures, so stock, rent and other costs come out of that.

Selling shoes is not the same as treating foot conditions, so check what you can say or claim and leave health advice to registered professionals. Also check rules on custom orthotics, your lease, insurance, GST registration, and council and landlord signage rules.