Online water ski and wakeboard shop

Recreational skiers and wakeboarders, boat owners, holiday-house families and people who live near lakes, rivers and the coast.

You buy at wholesale and sell at retail, keeping the margin on each item. Bundles such as a starter kit, and add-ons like ropes and gloves, lift the order value.

• Basic online selling and photography
• Product knowledge of skis, boards and sizing
• Customer service and handling returns

• Australian Consumer Law rules on refunds, repairs and product guarantees
• GST registration once your turnover reaches the threshold, check with the ATO
• Safety standards for items like life jackets, check your state's marine safety authority before selling them
• Public liability and product liability insurance, plus cover for stock held at home
• Council approval for a home-based business if you store or pack stock at home
• Peak sales fall in warmer months, so plan your cash flow for the quiet season

Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your website, how much stock you hold and your insurance. These are estimates, so decide whether to hold stock or have suppliers ship direct before budgeting.

Monthly revenue is typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on your range, pricing and the season. These are estimates only. It typically takes at least about 10 hours a week, and sales are strongest in warmer months.

Check Australian Consumer Law rules on refunds, repairs and guarantees, and GST registration with the ATO. Check your state's marine safety authority before selling items like life jackets. Also check insurance and council approval if you store stock at home.