Small paintings shop or gallery space

Locals, tourists, interior designers, gift buyers and businesses looking for artwork for their walls.

Commission on works sold for artists, margin on prints and framed pieces you buy in, and sometimes extra income from framing or exhibition hire fees.

• Eye for art and curating a display
• Selling and building relationships with artists
• Running a shop and basic bookkeeping

• Upfront costs add up: a lease bond (often several months' rent), fit-out such as lighting, hanging systems and shopfront, and opening stock or framing supplies
• Commercial lease terms, including length, rent reviews and make-good clauses, so get advice before signing
• Council approval for shop use and signage, so check with your local council
• Insurance for artworks on consignment, theft and damage, as well as public liability
• Slow months, as sales can be uneven and rent is a fixed cost
• Clear consignment agreements with artists covering commission, pricing and returns

Startup costs are typically around $40,000 to $150,000, depending on your lease bond, fit-out such as lighting and hanging systems, and opening stock or framing supplies. Treat this as an estimate and get quotes.

Monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your location, the artists you stock and whether you sell online as well. Sales can be uneven while rent stays fixed.

Check commercial lease terms, including length, rent reviews and make-good clauses, and get advice before signing. Also check council approval for shop use and signage, insurance for consigned artworks, theft and public liability, and clear consignment agreements with artists.