Starting an Online Store in Australia: The Ecommerce Guide
Thinking about selling online? This guide covers platforms, payments, shipping, GST and costs for building an ecommerce website in Australia.
Australian ecommerce keeps growing, and launching an online store has never been more achievable. But between platforms, payment gateways, shipping and tax obligations, there's a lot to get right. This guide walks Australian businesses through the essentials of building a store that actually sells.
Choosing your ecommerce platform
Your platform shapes everything that follows. The main options for Australian businesses:
- Shopify: fast to launch, hosted, great for standard stores; ongoing monthly fees and transaction costs
- WooCommerce (WordPress): flexible and open-source, but you manage hosting, security and updates
- Custom build: maximum control, speed and unique experience; higher upfront cost, ideal for scale or unusual requirements
For most small-to-medium Australian retailers, Shopify is a sensible starting point. Businesses with unique workflows, large catalogues, or a need for top-tier performance and branding often outgrow it and move to a custom solution.
Payments in Australia
Australian shoppers expect choice at checkout. Offer the methods they actually use:
- Credit and debit cards via Stripe or your platform's gateway
- PayPal — still widely trusted by Australian buyers
- Buy Now Pay Later options like Afterpay and Zip, which can lift conversion and average order value
- Apple Pay and Google Pay for fast mobile checkout
Shipping and fulfilment
Shipping is where many Australian stores stumble. Distances are large and freight isn't cheap. Decide early whether you'll offer free shipping (and build it into your pricing), flat-rate, or live-calculated rates. Integrate with Australia Post or couriers for accurate quotes, and be crystal clear about delivery times — especially to regional and remote areas.
Tax and legal obligations
- If your turnover is $75,000 or more, you must register for and charge GST
- Display prices inclusive of GST, as Australian consumers expect
- Comply with Australian Consumer Law on refunds, returns and warranties
- Have a clear, accessible privacy policy and returns policy
This isn't formal tax advice — check your specific obligations with an accountant or the ATO — but these are the basics every Australian online store needs to plan for.
What does an ecommerce site cost?
A Shopify store with a quality theme and setup typically runs $3,000–$10,000 plus monthly fees. A custom ecommerce build generally starts around $8,000 and climbs with catalogue size, integrations and bespoke features. Factor in product photography, content and launch marketing too.
Setting your store up to sell
- 1Invest in clear, high-quality product photos and honest descriptions.
- 2Make checkout fast and frictionless — every extra step loses sales.
- 3Show reviews and trust signals prominently.
- 4Optimise product pages for search so customers find them on Google.
- 5Set up abandoned-cart emails to recover lost sales.
Whether you need a polished Shopify store or a custom high-performance platform built for scale, AusWebDevs can help you launch and grow. Tell us what you're selling and we'll recommend the right setup.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to charge GST on my Australian online store?
If your business has a turnover of $75,000 or more, you're required to register for and charge GST. Australian consumers also expect prices displayed inclusive of GST. Check your specific obligations with an accountant or the ATO.
Is Shopify or a custom store better for an Australian business?
Shopify is a great starting point for most small-to-medium Australian retailers because it's fast to launch and fully hosted. Businesses with large catalogues, unique workflows, or a need for top performance and branding often move to a custom build as they scale.
What payment methods should an Australian online store offer?
Offer credit and debit cards, PayPal, Buy Now Pay Later options like Afterpay and Zip, and mobile wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Pay. Australian shoppers expect choice at checkout, and offering BNPL can lift conversion and order value.