Start a specialty fabric export business from home

Small fashion labels, interior and upholstery makers, craft and quilting businesses and independent retailers overseas.

You buy fabric at mill or wholesale prices and sell by the metre or roll at a margin. Repeat orders from the same buyers are where steady income comes from.

• Sales and negotiation
• Knowledge of fabrics and quality
• Organised with paperwork and deadlines
• Clear written communication with overseas buyers

• Payment risk: check options like upfront payment, deposits or secure payment terms before shipping
• Export and import rules for your fabric type and destination country, including labelling and fibre content claims (check Austrade and the Australian Border Force)
• Using 'Australian made' claims only if you meet ACCC requirements
• GST treatment of exports and when to register (check with the ATO or an accountant)
• Public liability and goods-in-transit insurance
• Council approval for running a business, or storing stock, at home

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your fabric niche, how much stock and how many samples you buy, insurance and shipping set-up.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on your niche, order sizes and how many overseas buyers you win. Check payment terms carefully, as payment risk can affect what you actually collect.

Check export and import rules for your fabric type and destination, including labelling and fibre content claims, with Austrade and the Australian Border Force. Also check ACCC requirements for 'Australian made' claims, and GST treatment of exports with the ATO or an accountant.