Online reptile supplies store

Hobby keepers and breeders who want specialist gear, often more choice than a general pet shop offers.

Margin on products sold online and at stalls. Bundles such as starter kits and regular food or supplement orders lift the average sale.

• Good reptile care knowledge
• Basic online shop setup and photography
• Packing and posting orders
• Building a keeper community on social media

• Selling live animals needs separate state licences and has postage limits, so check with your state wildlife agency before adding them
• Council approval may be needed to run a business and store stock at home
• Public liability and product insurance, and Australian Consumer Law obligations on returns and faulty goods
• Electrical heating gear should meet Australian safety standards, so check with your supplier
• Register for GST once turnover reaches the threshold
• Stock sitting unsold and postage costs on bulky enclosures

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how much stock you buy, your website setup and any expo stall fees. Unsold stock and postage costs on bulky enclosures can add pressure.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $8,000, depending on your range, pricing and how often you trade at expos. Hours start at around 10 a week, and you can run it from home.

Check council approval for running a business and storing stock at home, and Australian Consumer Law obligations on returns and faulty goods. Check that electrical heating gear meets safety standards. Live animals need separate state licences, so check first.