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9 Best Service-Based Businesses to Start in Melbourne: Your Path to Profitable Ventures with Minimum Investment
Melbourne, known for its vibrant culture and thriving economy, is a hotspot for budding entrepreneurs. If you’re considering starting a business in this dynamic city, you’re in luck. Melbourne offers numerous opportunities across various sectors, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Here, we explore some of the best and most profitable service-based businesses to start in Melbourne, which require minimal investment. Backed by facts and data, we provide a unique perspective on developing skills for high-demand services.
Understanding Start-Up Costs
Initial expenses, known as start-up costs, are necessary to establish your business. These costs can vary widely depending on the type of business but generally include:
- Premises (purchase, fit-out, and utility connections)
- Materials and equipment
- Licensing and registration fees
- Logo design and website development
It’s essential to walk through this process to accurately estimate the cost of starting your business. For detailed guidance, refer to Business Victoria from the State Government of Victoria.
Note: Many skilled businesses require formal diplomas or other professional education. We assume you have the necessary education, and the cost of such education has not been included in the start-up costs mentioned.
1. House Cleaning Services
House cleaning is an evergreen business with consistent demand. In Melbourne, busy professionals and families often seek reliable cleaning services. Starting a house cleaning service requires minimal investment in cleaning supplies and equipment, and it can quickly become profitable with a steady clientele.
Start-Up Cost: Starting a house cleaning business can cost as little as AUD 2,000 to AUD 5,000. This includes:
- Cleaning supplies and equipment: AUD 500 – AUD 1,000
- Licensing and insurance: AUD 500 – AUD 1,000
- Marketing and advertising: AUD 500 – AUD 1,500
- Miscellaneous expenses: AUD 500
2. Mobile Car Detailing
With the increasing number of cars on Melbourne’s roads, mobile car detailing services are in high demand. This business model allows you to offer convenience to car owners by providing detailing services at their location. Investment in quality cleaning products and equipment is necessary, but the potential for profit is significant.
Start-Up Cost: The initial investment for a mobile car detailing business can range from AUD 5,000 to AUD 10,000. This includes:
- Detailing van or vehicle modification: AUD 2,000 – AUD 5,000
- Detailing supplies and equipment: AUD 1,000 – AUD 2,000
- Licensing and insurance: AUD 500 – AUD 1,000
- Marketing and advertising: AUD 1,000 – AUD 2,000
3. Gardening and Landscaping
Melbourne’s beautiful residential areas and gardens create a strong demand for gardening and landscaping services. Whether it’s regular lawn maintenance or more extensive landscaping projects, this sector offers a steady stream of clients willing to pay for quality service.
Start-Up Cost: Starting a gardening and landscaping business typically costs between AUD 3,000 and AUD 8,000. This includes:
- Tools and equipment: AUD 1,000 – AUD 2,500
- Licensing and insurance: AUD 500 – AUD 1,000
- Marketing and advertising: AUD 500 – AUD 1,500
- Vehicle and transportation: AUD 1,000 – AUD 3,000
4. Handyman Services
Handyman services are always in demand for home repairs, maintenance, and small renovations. This business requires a range of skills but minimal initial investment. Offering reliable and skilled handyman services can quickly build a loyal customer base.
Start-Up Cost: The cost to start a handyman business can range from AUD 1,500 to AUD 5,000. This includes:
- Basic tools and equipment: AUD 500 – AUD 1,500
- Licensing and insurance: AUD 500 – AUD 1,000
- Marketing and advertising: AUD 500 – AUD 1,500
- Transportation costs: AUD 500 – AUD 1,000
5. Personal Training and Fitness
Melbourne’s residents are health-conscious, making the fitness industry a great venture. The Australian fitness industry is lucrative, generating $2.5 billion in revenue with over 6,500 businesses and more than 35,000 employees. Starting a personal training business requires minimal investment, primarily in certifications and equipment.
Start-Up Cost: Becoming a personal trainer can cost between AUD 2,000 and AUD 7,000. This includes:
- Certification courses: AUD 1,000 – AUD 3,000
- Fitness equipment: AUD 500 – AUD 2,000
- Liability insurance: AUD 500 – AUD 1,000
- Marketing and advertising: AUD 500 – AUD 1,000
6. Wellness and Spa Services
With growing awareness about mental and physical well-being, wellness services such as massage therapy, yoga instruction, and beauty treatments are in high demand. This sector offers a high return on investment with relatively low start-up costs.
Start-Up Cost: Starting a wellness or spa business typically costs between AUD 3,000 and AUD 10,000. This includes:
- Training and certification: AUD 1,000 – AUD 3,000
- Equipment and supplies: AUD 1,000 – AUD 3,000
- Licensing and insurance: AUD 500 – AUD 1,000
- Marketing and advertising: AUD 500 – AUD 2,000
7. IT Support and Consulting
Providing IT support and consulting services to small and medium-sized businesses can be very profitable. As more companies rely on technology, the need for professional IT services continues to grow.
Start-Up Cost: The initial investment for an IT support business can range from AUD 2,500 to AUD 8,000. This includes:
- Certification and training: AUD 1,000 – AUD 3,000
- Tools and software: AUD 1,000 – AUD 3,000
- Licensing and insurance: AUD 500 – AUD 1,000
- Marketing and advertising: AUD 500 – AUD 1,000
8. Professional Photography
Professional photography is in high demand for events, portraits, real estate, and commercial purposes. This business allows for flexibility and creativity while requiring relatively low start-up costs.
Start-Up Cost: Starting a professional photography business typically costs between AUD 2,000 and AUD 7,000. This includes:
- Camera and equipment: AUD 1,500 – AUD 5,000
- Editing software: AUD 300 – AUD 1,000
- Licensing and insurance: AUD 200 – AUD 500
- Marketing and advertising: AUD 500 – AUD 1,000
9. Tutoring Services
Tutoring is a growing field, especially with the increasing emphasis on education and skills development. Tutors can provide services in various subjects and skills, from academic tutoring to music or language lessons.
Start-Up Cost: Starting a tutoring business can cost between AUD 1,000 and AUD 3,000. This includes:
- Learning materials and supplies: AUD 200 – AUD 500
- Licensing and insurance: AUD 200 – AUD 500
- Marketing and advertising: AUD 500 – AUD 1,500
- Miscellaneous expenses: AUD 100 – AUD 500
Developing Skills for Service-Based Businesses
Starting a business in any of the above sectors often requires developing specific skills. This can be particularly advantageous as it typically involves lower initial investment compared to capital-intensive businesses. Platforms like Orderoo offer a wide range of service categories where skilled professionals are in high demand. By focusing on skill development, you can tap into lucrative markets with minimal financial risk.
Advantages of Skill-Based Businesses
- Lower Initial Investment: Unlike product-based businesses, service-based businesses often require minimal start-up capital.
- High Demand: There’s a constant need for skilled professionals in various sectors, ensuring a steady stream of clients.
- Flexibility: You can often set your own hours and choose the projects you work on.
- Scalability: As your business grows, you can hire additional skilled workers to expand your services.
Conclusion
Melbourne offers a fertile ground for entrepreneurs across various service-based industries. Whether you’re looking to start a house cleaning service, mobile car detailing, or any other service based business, there’s a wealth of opportunities waiting for you. By developing a skill and leveraging platforms like Orderoo, you can enter high-demand markets with minimal investment and significant potential for profit.
Starting a service-based business in Melbourne can be a rewarding venture with the right approach and dedication. Explore these opportunities and consider how you can develop a skill to meet the growing demands in the market.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
General Questions:
Melbourne is known for its vibrant culture and thriving economy, offering numerous opportunities across various sectors. The city has a consistent demand for services due to its busy professionals and diverse population, making it a fertile ground for entrepreneurs.
Start-up costs are the initial expenses necessary to establish your business. They can include costs for premises, materials, equipment, licensing, registration fees, and marketing.
Many service-based businesses require formal diplomas or professional education. It’s important to ensure you have the necessary qualifications before starting your business.
Specific Business Questions:
Starting a house cleaning business in Melbourne can cost between AUD 2,000 to AUD 5,000. This includes expenses for cleaning supplies, equipment, licensing, insurance, and marketing.
The initial investment for a mobile car detailing business can range from AUD 5,000 to AUD 10,000, covering detailing van modifications, supplies, licensing, insurance, and marketing.
Starting a gardening and landscaping business typically costs between AUD 3,000 and AUD 8,000. This includes tools and equipment, licensing, insurance, marketing, and transportation.
The cost to start a handyman business can range from AUD 1,500 to AUD 5,000, covering basic tools and equipment, licensing, insurance, marketing, and transportation.
Starting a personal training business can cost between AUD 2,000 and AUD 7,000. This includes certification courses, fitness equipment, liability insurance, and marketing.
Starting a wellness or spa business typically costs between AUD 3,000 and AUD 10,000, including training and certification, equipment and supplies, licensing, insurance, and marketing.
The initial investment for an IT support business can range from AUD 2,500 to AUD 8,000, covering certification, tools and software, licensing, insurance, and marketing.
Starting a professional photography business typically costs between AUD 2,000 and AUD 7,000, covering camera and equipment, editing software, licensing, insurance, and marketing.
Starting a tutoring business can cost between AUD 1,000 and AUD 3,000. This includes learning materials and supplies, licensing, insurance, marketing, and miscellaneous expenses.
Skill Development Questions:
Skills vary depending on the business. For example, house cleaning requires attention to detail and efficiency, while IT support needs technical expertise. Developing specific skills relevant to your business can help you succeed.
Consider enrolling in certification courses, gaining experience through internships, or learning from online platforms. Developing practical skills and gaining knowledge in your chosen field is crucial for success.
Miscellaneous Questions:
Service-based businesses often require lower initial investment, have high demand, offer flexibility in work hours, and have scalability potential as your business grows.
Platforms like Orderoo provide a marketplace for skilled professionals, helping you reach a broader client base. They can facilitate bookings, marketing, and client management, making it easier to start and grow your business.
Hi, I’m Ankush. I hold a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Education, with several years of experience in high and secondary school teaching. With a passion for technology and finance, I have led initiatives that drive innovation in on-demand service platforms, combining my expertise in education with tech-driven solutions. I’m deeply committed to creating platforms that make everyday tasks more accessible and efficient for people across Australia. My focus on leveraging technology to solve real-world challenges is at the core of everything I do, and I continue to explore new opportunities to expand and enhance these services.
