Pack-and-post shop
Run a small shopfront where locals and businesses drop off items to be packed, labelled and sent anywhere.
- A$15k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
A small shop that packs, labels and sends parcels for walk-in customers and local businesses. It usually sells packaging supplies and offers several carriers, including interstate and international options.
Your first three steps
- Scout locations with foot traffic and parking, and compare lease costs with expected parcel volumes
- Contact courier companies and parcel platforms about reseller or agent accounts, and price your services against local competitors
- Cost out fit-out, scales, packing stock and point-of-sale, and talk to your accountant about structure, ABN and GST
Who pays
Households, small businesses, online sellers and people sending fragile or awkward items.
How it makes money
Packing and handling fees, a margin on postage and courier prices, and sales of boxes, tape and packaging materials.
Skills that help
- Customer service
- Careful packing of fragile and awkward items
- Basic bookkeeping and stock control
Watch out for
- Australia Post licensed post office arrangements have their own requirements, so check directly with the carrier
- Commercial lease terms, including length, rent reviews and fit-out obligations
- Public liability and contents insurance, and workers compensation once you hire staff (state schemes)
- Thin margins on postage, so check carrier agreements closely before relying on that income
- Prohibited and dangerous goods, and customs rules for international parcels
🔒 Full research report for Australia
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to open a pack-and-post shop in Australia?
Estimates suggest startup costs typically sit around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on the shopfront, fit-out, packaging stock and equipment. Check commercial lease terms, including length, rent reviews and fit-out obligations, before you commit.
How much can a pack-and-post shop make each month?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $5,000 to $20,000, depending on location, carriers offered and packaging sales. Margins on postage can be thin, so check carrier agreements closely before relying on that income.
What rules and arrangements should I check before opening a pack-and-post shop?
Australia Post licensed post office arrangements have their own requirements, so check directly with the carrier. Also check your lease terms, public liability and contents insurance, workers compensation once you hire, and prohibited goods and customs rules for international parcels.
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