How to Set Up an eCommerce Store in Australia: The Basics
- Lucas Gabriel
- May 27
- 15 min read
Updated: Jun 5
Launching an eCommerce store in Australia is more accessible than ever. Whether planning a dropshipping business, a boutique brand, or a side hustle, you can establish a professional online store with minimal upfront investment. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started the right way. by Lucas Gabriel ©2024
1. Register for an ABN (Free)
You'll need an Australian Business Number (ABN) to trade legally in Australia. It's quick, simple, and 100% free.
Visit abr.gov.au
Click "Apply for an ABN" and follow the prompts
You can operate as a sole trader under your personal name — registering a business name is optional.
Tip: If you do choose to register a business name, make it broad and adaptable (e.g. "Brightwave Trading" rather than “Aussie Phone Cases”) to avoid limiting your future direction.
2. Secure a Domain Name (~$20/year)
Your domain name is your digital address. It should align with your business name and be easy to spell, say, and remember.
Use providers like GoDaddy or CrazyDomains.
For Australian trust and credibility: register a .com.au
For global reach: register a .com
Before finalising your domain, cross-check its availability across social platforms (Instagram, Facebook, X, TikTok, etc.) to maintain a consistent brand identity.
Tip: If your exact name is taken, add a relevant keyword — e.g. greattoys.com.au vs. greattoysaustralia.
3. Use a Branded Email Address (~$8/month)
Avoid using free generic email services like Gmail or Yahoo. A branded email (e.g., info@yourbusiness.com.au) helps build credibility and trust with customers.
Most domain providers offer email hosting add-ons as an optional service.
Alternatively, use Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 for professional-grade tools.
4. Get a Dedicated Business Phone Number (~$10/month)
Professional communication matters. Instead of using your personal mobile number, opt for a business line:
A 1300 number adds credibility
Providers like Velox, EasyInbound, or Grasshopper make setup simple
You can forward calls to your mobile or voicemail
5. Build Your Website (~$20–$40/month)
For most beginners, platforms like Shopify or Wix are ideal. They offer:
Drag-and-drop website builders
Built-in payment gateways
Easy integration with dropshipping apps like Oberlo, DSers, AliExpress, and Amazon
Responsive customer support
Shopify is the industry standard for product-based eCommerce especially retail Wix offers more flexibility if you're selling services or content. Great for B2B or service oriented business.
You can migrate to a custom site or upgrade functionality with plugins and apps as your business grows.
Tip: Outsource Smartly. As your store scales, consider using platforms like Upwork or Fiverr to outsource tasks such as:
Graphic design
Product descriptions
Virtual assistants
Inbound sales support
This allows you to focus on growing the business while delegating routine work.
If you do it yourself, you can launch a professional e-commerce store in Australia for as little as $100 per month. The key is to start lean but look credible from day one. Focus on branding, consistency, and user experience. Once you're live, keep iterating and improving — success in eCommerce is as much about agility as it is about planning.
Pro Tips for eCommerce Success in Australia
Validate Your Niche Before You Build
Don't build a store around a hunch or a dream. Use data to validate demand:
Google Trends: Check search trends over time by location
Keyword Planner: A Free tool in Google Ads to assess keyword demand and competition
Ubersuggest or Ahrefs: Great for more advanced keyword and niche research
Amazon Best Sellers: See what's already performing well
eBay or Facebook Marketplace: Find trending or in-demand categories locally
Tip: Avoid oversaturated niches unless you have a unique angle (e.g. pet products with custom engraving, or eco-friendly packaging).
2. Choose a Niche with Low Returns and High Margins
Products that are hard to return (e.g. digital goods, consumables, or customised items) lower your risk. Look for items that ideally:
Don't expire quickly
Small or lightweight (cheaper to ship)
Aren't fragile
Are bought on impulse
High ticket — sells for at least 3x your cost (lower margins need to be concidered for dropshipping bussiness models)
3. Understand the Legal and Tax Landscape
As a sole trader or business owner, you're responsible for compliance:
GST registration is required if you earn over $75,000 per year
Keep accurate records for tax time
From the start, use accounting software like Xero or QuickBooks to make life easier.
Understand consumer law obligations (returns, refunds, privacy policies)
4. Plan for Mobile-First Design
Most shoppers will visit your store from a mobile device. Make sure your store:
Loads fast
Has clear calls-to-action (e.g. "Add to Cart")
Uses easy-to-read fonts and big clickable buttons
Has a mobile-optimised checkout
Platforms like Shopify and Wix handle most of this automatically, but always test on your phone.
5. Don't Skip Your Branding and USP
Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP) sets you apart from the thousands of other online stores. Ask yourself:
Why would a customer buy from me?
Is it price, quality, speed, customisation, or sustainability?
Can I tell that story clearly on my homepage?
Pro Tool: Canva (or AI apps) can quickly create basic logos, social templates, and brand assets for free or cheap. Play around with some amazing products now available on the market. AI is quickly becoming your best resource for content development and product design.
6. Use Free Tools to Build Authority
Google Business Profile: Even for online-only businesses — boosts trust
Instagram & TikTok: Great for organic reach and showcasing your brand
Meta Pixel and Google Analytics: Add early so you can track customer behaviour and optimise later
7. Start Building an Email List Early
Email is still one of the highest ROI marketing tools. Even if you don't sell anything yet, offer:
A discount code
A free guide or checklist
Early access to products
Use tools like Mailchimp, Klaviyo, or MailerLite for easy automation and segmentation.
Content That Builds Trust and Drives Sales
Content is one of the most overlooked yet powerful aspects of running a successful e-commerce store. It improves trust, conversion, and SEO, and can even reduce customer service workload.
1. Product Descriptions That Sell (and Rank)
Don't just copy and paste supplier descriptions — Google penalises duplicate content, and customers find it boring. Instead:
Focus on benefits, not just features
→ Instead of "Waterproof nylon," try "Stay dry in any weather with lightweight, waterproof nylon that's perfect for travel."
Use sensory and lifestyle language where appropriate
Include keywords your customers would search for (e.g. "portable pet carrier for airlines" instead of "pet bag")
Use bullet points for skimmability
SEO Tip: Ensure each product page has a unique title tag and meta description.
2. Helpful Blog Posts & Guides = Free SEO and Organic Traffic
A blog helps people discover your store before they're ready to make a purchase. This builds brand trust and drives long-term traffic. Example blog content:
"How to Choose the Right Running Shoes for Flat Feet"
"5 Reasons Eco-Friendly Packaging Matters (and How to Spot It)"
"The Complete Beginner's Guide to Drop Shipping in Australia"
Each blog post should target a specific search query (use tools like AnswerThePublic, Ubersuggest, or Google’s “People also ask”).
3. How-to Guides, FAQs and Tutorials Reduce Returns
Create content that supports product education:
Short video demonstrations (you can shoot these with your phone)
"How to use," "How to care for," and "Unboxing" guides
A Returns and Shipping page that's clear, visible, and fair
Size charts or fit guides with visuals
These can reduce returns, boost buyer confidence and help hesitant buyers convert.
4. About Us Page = Storytelling and Trust
Customers want to buy from real people, especially in competitive or commoditised markets. Your "About" page should include:
Who you are and why you started
What makes your store different
A photo of yourself or your team
A mission or values statement (e.g. "We source all products from ethical suppliers")
Authenticity sells. You don't have to be perfect — you have to be real.
5. Customer Reviews = Instant Trust
Use apps or plugins to display reviews and testimonials directly on product pages. Shopify, Wix and WooCommerce all support this.
Collect reviews via email follow-ups after purchase
Offer an incentive for honest reviews (like a small discount on the next order)
Highlight reviews that address concerns new customers might have
Pro tip: Display photo reviews if possible — they're far more convincing.
6. Clear Navigation and Category Pages Boost SEO and UX
Use category pages like "Men's Watches" or "Vegan Skincare" to target specific keywords
Write a short 2–3 sentence intro on each category page to describe what's in the collection
Use breadcrumbs and internal linking to help Google crawl your site better
7. Site Speed and Readability Matter for Google AND Humans
Use fast, responsive themes (Shopify and Wix have many to choose from)
Compress images before uploading (try TinyPNG)
Keep your layout clean and easy to scan
Break up content with headings, bullet points, and images
Google uses page speed and mobile usability as ranking factors — so it's not just about looking good.
Trending Topics in eCommerce (2025)
And the "Secrets" to Driving Traffic & Sales to Your Store
1. AI-Driven Personalisation
Trend: eCommerce platforms now utilise AI to personalise the user experience in real-time, from dynamic product recommendations to intelligent search and automated email flows.
Secret: Utilise tools like Klaviyo, Shopify Magic, or LimeSpot to recommend products based on a user's browsing and purchasing behaviour.
Pro Tip: Personalised content increases conversions by up to 202% (source: Epsilon).
2. Micro-Fulfilment and Same-Day Delivery
Trend: Customer expectations are shifting towards faster, localised fulfilment. Many stores partner with third-party logistics (3PL) that offer metro-based micro-warehousing.
Secret: If drop shipping, choose suppliers with local Australian warehouses for faster delivery and fewer complaints. Consider services like DSers with AU stock, CJ Dropshipping, or uAfrica.
Pro Tip: Highlight “Ships from Australia” or “Same Day Dispatch” on product pages and banners.
3. Social Commerce
Trend: Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook now allow users to make purchases directly within the app.
Secret: Don't just post pretty photos — use video-first storytelling. Try product demos, "before and after" content, customer reactions, or unboxings.
Pro Tip: Use TikTok Shop or Instagram Checkout where available—leverage micro-influencers for low-cost, high-trust endorsements.
4. UGC and Influencer Content
Trend: Consumers trust real people more than brands. User-generated content (UGC) is outperforming branded content across most platforms.
Secret: Collect customer content — selfies, testimonials, reviews — and use them in ads and product pages.
Pro Tip: Offer a $10 coupon in exchange for a selfie using the product — then showcase it in your marketing.
5. Sustainable and Transparent Brands Win
Trend: Conscious consumerism is on the rise, especially among Gen Z and Millennials.
Secret: If you use eco-friendly materials or source ethically, showcase it. Tell the story transparently — include where products come from, who made them, and how they're packaged.
Pro Tip: Add a page about your sustainability promise and highlight it in your footer or homepage.
Secrets to Driving Traffic & Sales (That Actually Work)
1. Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)
Optimise product titles, collections, and descriptions
Use Google Trends and Ubersuggest to find keywords your customers are searching for
Blog regularly with how-to content and gift guides
Tools: Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, SurferSEO
2. Email Marketing (Still King)
Set up abandoned cart flows, welcome series, and post-purchase emails
Use Klaviyo or Mailchimp to personalise content
Send weekly value-packed newsletters — not just promos
ROI on email is still around $36 for every $1 spent.
3. Paid Ads with Retargeting
Start small with Facebook/Instagram ads targeting interest groups
Set up pixel tracking to retarget visitors who didn't purchase
Use Lookalike Audiences once you have a base of customers
Retargeting ads can convert up to 70% better than cold traffic ads.
4. AI Content & Ad Tools
Use AI tools like ChatGPT, Jasper, or Copysmith for headlines, product copy, and ad variations.
A/B test everything — even subject lines and thumbnails
Leverage Meta's AI ad targeting for smarter delivery
5. Leverage Google Shopping & Product Feeds
Set up a Google Merchant Centre account
List your products on Google Shopping
It's free (organic listing), and you can scale with paid Product Listing Ads (PLAs)
6. Leverage Existing Marketplaces for Exposure
While you grow your store, consider dual-listing products on:
Amazon AU
MyDeal
Etsy (if handmade or niche)
eBay (still popular in AU)
Builds a multichannel sales funnel, early traction and credibility.
Top Australian Marketplaces for eCommerce Sellers (2025)
Amazon Australia
Still the largest and fastest-growing marketplace.
Great for consumer electronics, books, toys, homewares, and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG).
Fulfilment by Amazon (FBA) is available for streamlined logistics.
MyDeal.com.au
Owned by Woolworths Group.
Focuses on home, furniture, appliances, lifestyle, and baby categories.
Acts more like a marketplace than a dropshipping platform.
Application required, but good exposure.
Kogan.com
One of Australia's largest online retailers.
Strong focus on tech, gadgets, home, and appliances.
Seller application required.
Offers a mix of direct sales and third-party marketplace integration.
eBay Australia
Still a top performer for a wide variety of products.
Offers a trusted platform with an existing customer base.
Good for second-hand, niche, or unique items as well as mass retail.
Etsy Australia (if applicable)
Best for handmade, vintage, print-on-demand, crafts, or niche art items.
Strong organic reach and a passionate community.
OzSale / New Aim (for wholesale or volume sellers)
Offers flash-sale style platforms.
New Aim also provides dropshipping fulfilment and B2B sales channels.
If you're in a specific niche (e.g. eco-friendly products, pet goods, fitness), there may be micro-marketplaces or aggregators that cater to that vertical. Examples include:
Temple & Webster – furniture/home décor
Pet Circle – pet products
The Iconic – fashion and beauty (invite-only but high traffic)
Strategic Recommendations
Diversify Your Channels: Utilise multiple marketplaces to broaden your reach and mitigate risks associated with platform-specific changes.
Leverage Platform Integrations: Use tools and apps that integrate with platforms like Shopify to streamline operations across different marketplaces.
Stay Informed: Regularly review platform policies and market trends to adapt your strategies accordingly.
Managing finances effectively is crucial for the success of your Australian eCommerce store.
Understanding payment gateways, associated fees, tax obligations, and integrating accounting solutions like Xero can streamline operations and ensure compliance. Here's a comprehensive guide tailored to help you navigate these aspects:
Payment Gateways: Fees & Considerations
Wix Payments
Processing Fees: Wix Payments charges a processing fee for each transaction. While specific rates can vary, it's essential to review the current fees applicable to your region and business type.
Supported Methods: Accepts major credit/debit cards and integrates with over 50 global payment gateways, including PayPal and Stripe.
Transaction Fees: Wix does not charge additional transaction fees on top of the payment processor's fees.
Shopify Payments
Processing Fees: Fees vary based on your Shopify plan and location. For the most accurate and detailed information regarding fees, it's recommended to visit Shopify's official plans and pricing page for Australia.
Supported Methods: Accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, UnionPay, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Shop Pay.
Third-Party Gateways: If you opt for external gateways like PayPal or Stripe, additional transaction fees may apply.
Accounting & Tax Compliance with Xero
Integrating Xero with your eCommerce platform ensures accurate financial tracking and simplifies tax reporting.
Shopify + Xero Integration
Daily Sync: Automatically imports daily summaries of sales and refunds as invoices or bills into Xero.
Reconciliation: Facilitates easy reconciliation of Shopify transactions within Xero.
GST Handling: Properly records GST on sales and expenses, aiding in accurate BAS reporting.
Wix + Xero Integration
Automation Tools: Utilise platforms like Amaka or Make to sync Wix transactions with Xero.
Invoice Generation: Automatically create invoices in Xero for each Wix order, ensuring accurate record-keeping.
Tax Compliance: Map sales, fees, and taxes to relevant accounts for streamlined GST reporting.
Invoicing & Quotation Management
Efficient invoicing and quotation processes are vital for professionalism and legal compliance.
Automated Invoicing: Both Wix and Shopify support automated invoice generation upon order completion, which can be synced with Xero for centralised record-keeping.
Custom Templates: Design branded invoice and quote templates within Xero to maintain consistency and professionalism.
Quotations: Generate and manage customer quotes directly through Xero, converting them to invoices upon approval.
Harmonising Platforms for Operational Efficiency
To ensure seamless operations:
Select Compatible Payment Gateways: Choose gateways that integrate smoothly with your chosen eCommerce platform and Xero.
Implement Automation Tools: Utilize platforms like Amaka or Make to automate data synchronization between your store and Xero.
Regular Reconciliation: Schedule periodic reconciliations in Xero to match bank statements with recorded transactions, ensuring financial accuracy.
Stay Updated on Tax Regulations: Regularly consult with a tax professional to remain compliant with Australian tax laws and reporting requirements.
By integrating your eCommerce platform with robust accounting tools and understanding the associated financial processes, you can streamline operations, ensure compliance, and focus on growing your business.
There are several Xero alternatives that offer similar accounting, invoicing, and automation features — and integrate well with Wix or Shopify. Depending on your needs and budget, some may even offer better value or specific benefits. Here’s a breakdown of popular and trusted options suitable for Australian eCommerce businesses:
1. QuickBooks Online (by Intuit)
Why consider it:
Strong contender to Xero, with excellent eCommerce and banking integrations
Australian GST-ready, ATO compliant
User-friendly dashboard and mobile apps
Works well for sole traders through to larger businesses
Integrates with:
Shopify: Direct integration via apps like OneSaaS, Synder, or QuickBooks Connector
Wix: Indirect integration via Zapier or custom connectors
Features:
Real-time profit & loss reports
GST and BAS reporting
Invoice automation
Bank reconciliation
Payroll (via QuickBooks Payroll powered by Employment Hero)
Cost: Approx. $25–$55/month (AUD), depending on the plan
2. MYOB Business
Why consider it:
Widely used in Australia, tailored for local tax and payroll compliance
Strong payroll features included in many plans
ATO STP (Single Touch Payroll) compliant
Well-supported by local bookkeepers/accountants
Integrates with:
Shopify: Integration via OneSaaS or custom plugins
Wix: Less direct support, but Zapier or custom middleware can bridge gaps
Features:
Invoicing and quotes
BAS-ready accounting
Inventory tracking
Payroll and superannuation
Time billing and job costing
Cost: Starts around $30–$60/month (AUD)
3. Zoho Books
Why consider it:
Affordable for micro and small eCommerce businesses
Strong automation and workflow tools
Built-in multi-currency, client portal, project tracking
Great if you’re already using other Zoho services (CRM, Mail, etc.)
Integrates with:
Shopify: Direct integration
Wix: Via Zapier or Make.com
Also integrates well with Stripe, PayPal, Razorpay and more
Features:
GST-compliant invoicing
Expense and time tracking
Recurring invoices
Built-in quote-to-invoice conversion
Customisable templates
Cost: Starts free, then approx. $15–$60/month, depending on feature tier
Key Tips for Choosing the Right Tool:
Criteria | What to Look For |
Australian Compliance | BAS, GST and ATO integration, payroll compliance |
Integration | Direct or easy connection with Shopify or Wix (Zapier or Make are great alternatives) |
Scalability | Can the platform grow with your store’s volume and needs? |
Automation | Look for bank feed syncing, auto-invoicing, and tax calculation tools |
Support | Prefer platforms with good support in your time zone (or local experts) |
Automation Tools Worth Mentioning:
Make.com and Zapier: Best for setting up workflows between your store (Wix/Shopify) and any accounting software.
OneSaaS (by Intuit): Integrates Shopify/Xero/QuickBooks for sales, payments, inventory, and customer syncing.
Synder: Popular for multi-platform sellers (eBay, Amazon, Shopify) to sync with QuickBooks or Xero.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is for general guidance and informational purposes only. It reflects personal opinion and experience and should not be considered legal, financial, or professional advice. Every business is unique, and your specific circumstances may require tailored advice. For accurate and up-to-date information on your legal, financial, or tax obligations, please consult with a qualified accountant, tax agent, or legal professional.
Summary
If you've reached this point, here's how it's done.
Phase 1: Planning & Legal Setup (Week 1)
1. Decide on Your Business Structure and niche
Recommended: Register a company (Pty Ltd) for credibility, asset protection, and flexibility.
Alternatively: Sole Trader (lower cost, less admin but fewer protections).
Register via ASIC – approx. $538 for a company.
2. Apply for an ABN (Australian Business Number)
Apply free at abr.gov.au.
Register for GST if turnover is expected to exceed $75,000/year.
3. Register Business Names
E.g.: Main company: “Dream Big Pty Ltd”.
Sub-brands:
Dream Big Toys (dropshipping toys)
Dream Big Custom (custom products)
Dream Big Clothing (apparel and shoes POD)
Cost: $42/year per business name via ASIC Business Names Register.
Phase 2: Digital Presence & Setup (Week 2–3)
4. Secure Domain Names
5. Professional Email Accounts
Use Google Workspace or Zoho Mail for branded emails.
Cost: Around $8–$10/month per user.
6. Set Up eCommerce Platforms
Shopify:
Best for scalable, product-focused retail.
Easy POD, dropshipping, and international support.
Starts at $39/month.
Wix:
Better for B2B or service-based models (MTO Promo).
More design flexibility, starts at $20–30/month.
Start with free trials, and scale gradually.
Optional but Highly Recommended
* Phone Number & Business Address
Use a 1300/1800 number via providers like Velox or EasyInbound (~$10–15/month).
Use a virtual office if needed (from $50/month) for credibility on invoices, returns, etc.
* Cloud Storage & Productivity
Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 for shared drives, spreadsheets, and documents.
Free to start, ~$8–10/month per user.
Phase 3: Operations & Automation (Week 4–5)
7. Set Up Payment Gateways
Use Shopify Payments, or integrate Stripe / PayPal.
Compare fees:
Stripe: ~1.75% + $0.30 (domestic) | 2.9% + $0.30 (international)
PayPal: ~2.6% + fixed fee
Set up payouts to your business bank account.
8. Accounting & Bookkeeping
Start with Xero or Rounded (budget option for sole traders).
Cost:
Xero: From $32/month.
Rounded: From $19/month.
Use Xero integrations with Shopify/Wix to automate:
Invoices
Quotes
Tax tracking
Inventory (if needed)
Phase 4: Trust & Marketing (Ongoing)
9. SEO, Content, & Consumer Trust
Create:
Product descriptions with keywords
Blog articles (how-tos, trends, FAQs)
Clear return/refund policies
Trust badges (SSL, payments, reviews)
Add: About Us, Shipping Info, and Contact Pages.
10. Analytics & Customer Support
Use:
Google Analytics 4 and Search Console (free)
Hotjar (free plan) for heatmaps
Tidio or Chatra (free live chat)
Gorgias or HelpScout (if scaling up support)
Legal and Tax Notes
Keep detailed records from Day 1.
Lodge BAS quarterly (if registered for GST).
Get advice from an accountant on:
Business expenses you can claim
PAYG setup if hiring
International tax obligations
Consider IP protection for unique brand names/logos.
Final Tip: Start Lean, Validate Fast: Start with the brand you feel most confident about, validate demand, and then expand to the others. Use dropshipping or print-on-demand initially to minimise stock risk. Build trust with great customer service, content, and consistency.
Comentários