Russian and eastern european grocery shop

Families from Russian, Ukrainian, Polish and other Eastern European backgrounds, plus curious locals and people buying gifts or festive foods.

You buy from importers and wholesalers and sell at a markup. Extra income can come from gift boxes, a deli counter and seasonal items around holidays.

• Knowing the products and what customers want
• Buying and stock control
• Customer service
• Basic bookkeeping

• Food business registration with your local council and food safety rules in your state
• Imported food and labelling rules, check with the Department of Agriculture and Food Standards Australia New Zealand
• Public liability and stock insurance
• Short shelf life on chilled and fresh items can cause waste
• Shop lease commitments and slow early months while you build a customer base

Startup costs are typically around $40,000 to $150,000, depending on shop size, fit-out, lease terms and how much stock you buy. These are estimates only, so get quotes for your own premises and product range before committing.

Check food business registration with your local council and your state's food safety rules. Also check imported food and labelling rules with the Department of Agriculture and FSANZ, and look into public liability and stock insurance.

Monthly revenue is typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on location, range and customer base. That is revenue, not profit. Expect slow early months while you build customers, and watch waste on chilled items. Plan on at least about 40 hours a week.