Online rug store

Homeowners, renters, and people furnishing a new place, plus some interior stylists and small businesses like cafes and offices.

You buy rugs at wholesale price and sell at retail, keeping the margin after shipping, returns, payment fees and advertising.

• Eye for style and colour
• Product photography and listing writing
• Customer service and handling returns

• Australian Consumer Law: refunds and repairs for faulty goods, and honest product descriptions
• Large rugs are bulky and costly to post, so check courier rates before setting prices
• If importing, check customs rules, import costs and any product labelling requirements
• GST registration once turnover reaches the threshold
• Check council rules if you store stock at home

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $10,000, depending on whether you drop-ship or hold stock and whether you import. Treat this as an estimate and get supplier and courier quotes before you commit.

Monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $5,000, depending on your range, how well customers find your site and how much time you put in. That figure is revenue, not profit, so allow for stock, shipping and returns.

Check Australian Consumer Law for refunds, repairs and honest product descriptions. Also look at courier rates for bulky rugs, customs and labelling rules if importing, GST registration once you reach the threshold, and council rules if you store stock at home.