Online outdoor gear store
Sell a focused range of hiking, camping or climbing gear online to Australian outdoor fans.
- A$5k-25k
- Side hustle
- Online
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
A website selling a curated range of outdoor clothing and gear, such as ultralight hiking, family camping or climbing, with helpful guides and fast delivery.
Your first three steps
- Pick a niche, such as lightweight hiking or kids' camping gear, and check what local competitors offer
- Apply for trade accounts with a few brands or distributors and compare minimum orders and delivery terms
- Set up a simple online store, load a small starter range with clear photos and size guides, and test it with local outdoor clubs
Who pays
Outdoor enthusiasts around Australia who want specialist gear and advice they cannot find in general stores.
How it makes money
Margin on each product sold, with extra income from bundles, gift cards and repeat customers. You can start with a small range and add products as sales grow.
Skills that help
- Knowledge of a specific outdoor niche
- Basic online shop setup
- Product photography and writing
- Stock and order management
Watch out for
- Public liability and product/stock insurance
- Australian Consumer Law, including returns, refunds and guarantees
- Restrictions on posting gas canisters, fuel and some other dangerous goods, check with couriers and Australia Post
- Return rates on clothing and footwear because of sizing
- Brand rules on online selling and pricing, check dealer terms
- Register for an ABN and check when GST registration applies
- Stock storage space if you hold it at home, check council rules for home-based businesses
Deep research report · Australia
Everything you need to start: online outdoor gear store
Researched with live web search for Australia: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start an online outdoor gear store?
Startup costs are typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on your range, how much stock you buy and your website setup. These are estimates, so plan your budget around real supplier and platform quotes.
How much can an online outdoor gear store earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on your niche, your range and how well you reach customers. This is revenue before costs, and the estimate assumes at least about 15 hours a week.
What rules should I check before selling outdoor gear online in Australia?
Check Australian Consumer Law on returns, refunds and guarantees, and restrictions on posting gas canisters and fuel with couriers and Australia Post. Also check brand dealer terms, ABN and GST registration, insurance, and council rules if you store stock at home.
Other ways to run this business
Similar retail ideas
Online hunting and shooting gear store
Sell non-firearm shooting and hunting gear online, like clothing, cases, cleaning kits and field accessories.
- A$5k-25k
- Side hustle
- Online
Trade-only refurbished computer supplier
Buy ex-lease laptops and desktops in lots, test them and sell by the batch to resellers and repair shops online.
- A$5k-25k
- Side hustle
- From home
Home-based leather goods supplier to shops
Buy wallets, belts and bags in bulk from makers and sell them on to boutiques and gift shops.
- A$5k-25k
- Side hustle
- From home
Online dive gear sales and servicing
Sell dive gear online and service regulators and BCDs for local divers from a home workshop.
- A$5k-25k
- Side hustle
- From home
Online Chinese grocery with local delivery
Sell Chinese pantry staples and snacks online from a small storage space, delivering or posting to customers.
- A$5k-25k
- Side hustle
- Online
Trade flower supplier with a delivery run
Buy fresh flowers at the markets or direct from growers and deliver to florists, cafes and event stylists on a regular route.
- A$5k-25k
- Part-time
- Out and about