Online screws and fasteners shop

Tradies, builders, small workshops, farmers, makers and keen DIYers who want bulk packs at a better price than hardware shop singles.

You buy in larger quantities and sell in smaller bulk packs at a margin. Repeat orders from trade customers and freight-friendly products are where the money is.

• Knowing screw types, sizes and uses
• Basic online shop setup
• Organised stock and order handling

• Check that products meet the relevant Australian Standards for their use, especially structural fixings
• Australian Consumer Law applies to what you sell, so check product liability and returns rules
• Check council rules for a home-based business and storing stock at home
• Heavy parcels cost a lot to post, so work out freight costs before setting prices
• Register for GST once turnover reaches the threshold

Startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on how much stock you buy and how your website is set up. Treat this as an estimate, and work out freight costs for heavy parcels before you set prices.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $8,000, depending on your product range, pricing and how much time you put in. The estimate assumes at least about 8 hours a week, and freight costs will affect what you keep.

Check that your products meet the relevant Australian Standards for their use, especially structural fixings. Also check Australian Consumer Law on product liability and returns, council rules for home-based businesses and storing stock, and GST registration once turnover reaches the threshold.