Online running store with pop-up fittings

Runners who want choice and advice but live far from a specialist shop, plus run clubs and event participants.

Margin on shoes, clothing and accessories sold online and at pop-ups. Some owners also offer club discounts or group orders.

• Running and footwear knowledge
• Basic online store setup and photography
• Customer service, including handling returns and exchanges

• Holding stock at home may need council approval for a home-based business, so check locally
• Returns and exchanges eat into margin, so plan for them
• Australian Consumer Law applies to refunds and product claims, so check what you must offer
• Public liability insurance for pop-ups, and check whether events need a stallholder permit
• Large online retailers compete on price, so focus on advice and service
• Register for GST once turnover reaches the threshold

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on how much stock you buy, how you set up your online store and what pop-up gear you need. Returns and exchanges are worth planning for.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $8,000, depending on your stock range, how often you run pop-ups and how well you compete on advice and service against large online retailers.

Check whether storing stock at home needs council approval, and whether events require a stallholder permit. Also check public liability insurance, what Australian Consumer Law requires for refunds and product claims, and GST registration once turnover reaches the threshold.