Online fine pen and ink store

Pen hobbyists, gift buyers, students, professionals and small businesses wanting quality writing tools.

You buy at wholesale and sell at retail, so the margin is the difference. Gift sets, inks and accessories can lift the average order value.

• Product knowledge, or a keen interest in pens and inks
• Basic online shop setup and photography
• Packing and order handling
• Customer service

• Register for GST once your turnover reaches the threshold, check with the ATO
• Australian Consumer Law covers refunds, repairs and product descriptions, so check your obligations
• Check your council's rules if you store stock or pack orders at home
• Stock tied up in slow-selling items, and postage costs on fragile or heavy parcels
• Public liability and product liability insurance, check with a broker

Startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on how much stock you buy, how you set up your website and what you spend on photography and packaging. These are estimates, so start with a focused range.

Monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $5,000, depending on your product range, pricing and how many customers you attract to your website. This is an estimate of revenue before costs, not profit.

Check with the ATO about registering for GST once your turnover reaches the threshold. Check your Australian Consumer Law obligations on refunds, repairs and product descriptions, council rules for storing stock at home, and public liability and product liability insurance.