Neighbourhood stationery shop

Local families, students, teachers, home offices, small businesses and gift buyers.

You buy stock wholesale and sell at a mark-up. Back-to-school season and gift lines are often busy, and extras like printing, laminating or bulk orders for local businesses can add income.

• Choosing stock people want
• Customer service
• Stock control and ordering
• Basic bookkeeping

• Lease terms, bond and fit-out costs, check these with a commercial lease adviser
• Public liability and contents insurance
• Stock tied up in unsold items, especially seasonal lines
• ABN and GST registration once you reach the turnover threshold
• Rules on refunds and guarantees under Australian Consumer Law
• Workers compensation insurance if you hire staff, check your state scheme

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $25,000 to $80,000, depending on your lease bond, fit-out and opening stock. Treat this as an estimate and check lease terms with a commercial lease adviser.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $8,000 to $35,000, depending on location, stock range and customer mix. Stock can get tied up in unsold items, especially seasonal lines, so order carefully.

Check lease terms, bond and fit-out costs, public liability and contents insurance, and refund and guarantee rules under Australian Consumer Law. Also check ABN and GST registration, and your state's workers compensation scheme if you hire staff.