In-Home personal chef

Busy families, professionals, older people and households wanting a dinner party at home without the stress.

A fee per session or per dinner, plus the cost of groceries. Regular weekly clients give steady income, with one-off dinners as extras.

• Confident cooking across varied cuisines
• Food safety and kitchen hygiene
• Menu planning and shopping on a budget
• Friendly and trustworthy in people's homes

• Check with your local council and state food authority whether you need to register or notify as a food business when cooking in clients' homes
• Public liability insurance, and ask your insurer about food-related claims
• Allergies and dietary needs: record them clearly and never guess
• ABN, and GST once your turnover reaches the threshold
• Check whether your vehicle and food transport arrangements meet local food safety rules

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $500 to $3,000, depending on the equipment you carry, your insurance and how you promote yourself. Clients' kitchens are used for cooking, so you avoid premises costs.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how many clients you take on, how often you cook and what you charge. Revenue is not profit, as ingredients and travel also need covering. The idea assumes at least about 8 hours a week.

Check with your local council and state food authority whether you need to register or notify as a food business. Also check public liability insurance, how to record allergies and dietary needs, ABN and GST, and whether your food transport meets local rules.