Online theatre supplies store

School drama departments, community theatre groups, dance schools, church and event organisers.

Margin on products sold, plus bulk orders and term-time accounts for schools. Some sellers add costume hire packages for shows.

• Knowing what theatre groups need
• Online selling and product listings
• Stock and order management
• Customer service

• Mains-powered lighting and electrical items may need to meet Australian electrical safety and compliance marking rules, check with your state's electrical safety regulator
• Costumes and props sold for children may need to meet product safety standards, check with the ACCC
• Register for an ABN and check when you need to register for GST
• Public liability and product liability insurance
• Slow school payment cycles can strain cash flow

Startup costs are estimates, typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how much stock you buy and how many lines are shipped by suppliers. Starting with a small range can help limit costs.

Monthly revenue is an estimate, typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on your range and how many schools and groups you reach. The estimate assumes at least about 10 hours a week.

Check whether mains-powered lighting needs to meet electrical safety and compliance marking rules with your state's regulator. Also check ACCC product safety standards for children's costumes and props, ABN and GST registration, and product liability insurance.