Online silk fabric and scarf shop

Home dressmakers, bridal and costume makers, small designers and gift shoppers.

Profit on each metre of fabric or accessory sold, plus extra from swatch packs, remnant bundles and repeat customers.

• Knowing fabric types and how they sew
• Product photography and writing clear descriptions
• Packing, posting and customer service

• Register for an ABN, and check when you need to register for GST
• If importing, check customs, duty and import rules with the Australian Border Force
• Check Australian Consumer Law rules on refunds, accurate descriptions and labelling of garments and accessories
• Colours look different on screen, so offer swatches to cut down returns
• Storing stock at home may need council approval, so check with your local council

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $2,000 to $8,000, depending on how much stock you buy and how you set up your website. Offering swatches can cut down returns, since colours look different on screen.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $500 to $4,000, depending on your range, your photography and how many customers you reach. That is revenue before costs. Estimates start from about 8 hours a week.

Register for an ABN and check when you need to register for GST. If importing, check customs, duty and import rules with the Australian Border Force. Check Australian Consumer Law on refunds, descriptions and labelling, and council approval for storing stock at home.