Online seasonal decorations and gifts store

Online shoppers across Australia buying for Christmas, Easter, Halloween, Mother's Day and other occasions, including people who want something different from big retailers.

You sell products at a markup over wholesale or making costs, and charge for postage or build it into prices. Most sales fall in a few busy periods each year.

• Setting up an online shop
• Product photos and descriptions
• Packing and posting orders
• Basic social media marketing

• Australian Consumer Law, which covers refunds, product claims and safety, check with the ACCC
• Postage costs and late deliveries in peak season, which can hurt your margins and reviews
• Council approval for running a home-based business and storing stock at home, check with your local council
• Seasonal cash flow, as you pay for stock well before the sales come in
• An ABN is needed, and GST registration once turnover reaches the threshold

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on how much stock you buy and how you set up your shop. Remember you pay for stock well before sales come in, so seasonal cash flow matters.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $300 to $3,000, depending on your products, how well you market them and how close you are to a peak season. Postage costs can reduce your margins.

Things to check: Australian Consumer Law, which covers refunds, product claims and safety (check with the ACCC), and your local council's rules for a home-based business and storing stock at home. You also need an ABN, with GST once turnover reaches the threshold.