Pond and water garden shop

Local homeowners building or fixing a pond, keen hobbyists, landscapers and garden designers who want stock they can collect the same day.

Retail mark-up on products and plants, repeat sales of treatments and filter media, and bulk or trade sales to landscapers.

• Strong pond and water quality knowledge
• Retail and stock control
• Plant care
• Customer service and advice

• Shop lease terms and council approval for the premises, check before signing
• Public liability insurance and product liability cover
• Live plants can be a biosecurity risk and some water plants are declared weeds in some states, check your state's rules before stocking
• Selling live fish may need permits in some states, check with your state fisheries or primary industries department
• Seasonal sales, with quieter winters in many areas, so plan your cash flow
• Workers compensation insurance once you hire staff

Startup costs are typically estimated around $20,000 to $90,000, depending on the premises, the range of stock you carry and whether you add a plant yard. Check lease terms and council approval before signing.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on location, range and local demand. The estimate assumes at least 35 hours a week. Sales are seasonal, with quieter winters in many areas, so plan your cash flow.

Live plants can be a biosecurity risk, and some water plants are declared weeds in some states, so check your state's rules before stocking. Selling live fish may need permits, so check with your state fisheries or primary industries department. Also check insurance.