Every business in Australia needs an ABN, which is a unique 11 digit number that identifies your business. Whether you’re setting up a personal cleaning company or selling your wares, you’re going to need an ABN. It’s also free!
You can't name your company after a registered trademark, so make sure your company name is available. Just search the Australian Business Names register to make sure your company name is in the clear. Then register it for the small fee of $33 for one year – less than your average supermarket shop.
Now you’re set to go. Understanding your customers is crucial for this step, so make sure you know where your most valuable customers are before creating your sales method. You can stick to one option or sell through many. Here are some of our tips:
Register a Website Domain Name
Popular option for small businesses to get noticed on Google. You simply buy a .com.au or .net.au web address using your ABN. Find out more here. If you’re a tech savvy person, or know someone who is, you can develop your website from the ground up using programs like Dreamweaver.
Or if you just want a functioning blog-style website, have a go using WordPress.org or WordPress.com. Your other option is to find a freelancer who can do it all for you, but make sure you get the right price!
Gumtree, eBay or other websites
If you’d rather not to go to the effort to make a website, then don’t stress. Many companies run out of websites like Gumtree. Simply make a profile, create an ad and then start selling your product or service. It’s that easy!
Facebook
More and more companies are going social, and you can too. Facebook even gives businesses the option to sell directly through their Facebook page, which will take a bit of tech know-how. If you’d rather keep it hassle free, there are apps available online which simplify the process for a subscription fee.
Face-to-face
Start door-knocking or set up shop at your local market to sell your product or service in person. Many of the world’s best companies started this way, and it can be a great way to learn your sales pitch and get instant customer feedback.
Find a wholesaler or retailer
Do some research into a wholesaler or retailer that might want to sell your product and get in contact. Make sure you’re ready to negotiate because you’ll want to make sure they give you a fair margin for your product.
There are so many more options you can pursue to sell your product or service that the possibilities may seem limitless. So get creative and you’ll definitely surprise yourself. It’s all part of the excitement of being an entrepreneur!
For more information about starting your business, head over to business.gov.au.