Hookah and accessories shop

Adult hookah users, people buying gifts or home setups, and cafes or lounges that need replacement parts.

Retail margin on hardware and accessories, plus repeat sales of consumables like coals, hoses and replacement parts. Margins on tobacco products can be tight once excise and compliance costs are included.

• Retail sales and stock control
• Customer service
• Careful record keeping and compliance
• Product knowledge of hookah equipment

• Tobacco retail licensing differs by state and territory, so check the rules and costs where you live before signing a lease
• Tobacco advertising, display, plain packaging and health warning rules are strict, so check what applies to shisha products
• Buying only from legitimate, duty-paid suppliers matters, as penalties for illicit tobacco can be severe
• Never sell to anyone under 18, and check ID
• Check vaping and nicotine product rules if you plan to stock anything related
• Public liability and shop insurance, and check council zoning for your premises
• Hiring staff means workers compensation insurance, and employees need to understand the sales rules too

Startup costs are typically around $30,000 to $120,000, depending on the premises, fit-out, stock and any licensing costs in your state or territory. Treat this as an estimate and check local licence costs before signing a lease.

Check tobacco retail licensing in your state or territory before signing a lease. Also check advertising, display, plain packaging and health warning rules, buying only from duty-paid suppliers, ID checks for under-18s, vaping rules, insurance and council zoning.

Monthly revenue is typically around $10,000 to $50,000, depending on location, stock and trading hours. Estimates suggest at least around 40 hours a week. These are estimates, and hiring staff adds workers compensation insurance and training on the sales rules.