Surplus and disposals shop

Local bargain hunters, campers, hikers, fishers, tradies looking for cheap workwear, and collectors.

Retail margin on stock bought cheaply from wholesalers, liquidators, auctions and suppliers. Adding online sales or markets can bring in extra income.

• Buying and pricing stock
• Customer service
• Basic bookkeeping
• Merchandising and displaying goods

• Check lease terms, rent increases and any council approval needed for your shop use
• Public liability and contents insurance, and workers compensation once you hire staff
• Check state and territory rules on selling knives, blades and certain military-style items
• Check GST registration once turnover reaches the threshold
• Slow-moving stock and rent are the main cash risks, so keep a buffer

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $15,000 to $70,000, depending on your premises, lease terms and how much stock you buy. Keep a cash buffer, since slow-moving stock and rent are the main risks.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on your location, stock mix and pricing. Plan on roughly 35 hours a week or more to run the shop, source stock and serve customers.

Check lease terms, rent increases and any council approval needed for shop use. Also check public liability and contents insurance, workers compensation once you hire staff, state and territory rules on selling knives and military-style items, and GST registration.