Selling something for the very first time can feel like a big step, but don’t worry.
Whether you’re selling a product or a service, this easy guide will step you right through the process.
Before you start selling, make sure you're covered
Check whether your product or service requires any special licences or permits and ensure your terms and conditions (T&Cs) meet Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) guidelines.
Your T&Cs are important: they set out things like payment terms, return policies, delivery time frames and customer rights. Having clear terms, protects both you and your customers and helps avoid confusion or disputes down the track.
If you’re operating in a regulated industry – such as online retail, personal services or food and drink – there may be additional legal or industry requirements you need to meet.
Start simple. Think about what makes your offer unique or useful – this will help you with your marketing later. Write this down alongside what you're offering in one or two sentences. Make it clear and easy to understand.
Examples:
“I do landscape gardening in Devonport.”
“I sell handmade soaps made with Tasmanian ingredients.”
“I help small businesses with their bookkeeping.”
Now that you know what you're selling, it's time to share it with the world.
If you're not an online-only business, you probably don’t need a fancy website or a big marketing budget to get started.
You can use free tools and your local community connections to find your first customers.
Planning to use a business name? Ensure you register it with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) first and check that it’s not already taken.
Before setting up accounts to promote your business, it’s a good idea to take some time to strategise. Think about who your ideal customers are, where they get their information from, and how you think they would go about finding your service or product. This will allow you to choose the channel that suits you best.
Consider setting up social media accounts for your business
Facebook and Instagram are among the most popular platforms in the world, and setting up a business page on them is free. They’re a great starting point for building your online presence and connecting with potential customers. Below are step-by-step guides to help you set up profiles on these two platforms. However, don’t be afraid to explore others – some may suit your ideal customer better. For example, Instagram might be a better fit if you're targeting a younger audience.
Set up a Facebook business page
To do this, you’ll need to have a personal Facebook account to connect your business page to.
If you need help setting up a Facebook business page, Meta’s Business Help Centre is a great starting point, offering step-by-step instructions.
Set up an Instagram business profile.
To set up an Instagram business account, you’ll need to create an Instagram account or use an existing Instagram account.
Meta’s Business Help Centre is a great resource with easy instructions and helpful tips.
Once you have set up an Instagram and Facebook account you can connect the two together.
As the platforms are owned by the same company you can connect them together and manage them both in one place. This is done in an area only visible to business pages on Facebook called the Meta Business Suite.
If you’re opening your business in a physical location or offering services (like plumbing or accountancy), you can also set up a Google Business Profile.
This is a free listing on Google that makes it easier for people to find your business when they search online.
Which platform to share information on.
Your personal Facebook or Instagram page – let your friends and family know what you’re doing. Sharing your new business pages on your personal account is a great way to invite them to follow along.
Facebook Marketplace – if applicable list your product or service for local buyers.
Local community and neighbourhood groups – online groups for your town or suburb often allow small business posts.
Google business profile – add your business name, address, opening hours, phone number, website, photos and even special offers. Customers can leave reviews and your business can appear on Google Maps. Regularly updating it with new photos, posts or promotions helps your business look active.
Tell friends, family and your community
Ask them to spread the word, share your posts or be your first customer. Word of mouth still works, especially in Tasmania.
You can also explore other sales channels.
In-person outreach – approach retail store buyers, key representatives from organisations, or local business owners. A friendly introduction can open doors.
Community groups – join local clubs, sports teams, or hobby groups where you think potential customers may be.
Noticeboards and cafés – put up a flyer in your local shop, supermarket, library or community centre.
Local markets – set up a stall to showcase your products or services and meet customers face-to-face.
Online marketplaces – use platforms like Etsy, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Upwork or Airtasker to reach a wider audience.
Cold or warm pitching – this is basically contacting potential customers directly. Cold pitching means contacting people who don’t know you yet (like a store you’ve never approached) and introducing your product or service. Warm pitching is contacting people who already know you a little (maybe they’ve heard of your business or met you before) and asking if they’d like to buy or learn more. The goal is to start a conversation and set up a meeting, demonstration or sales pitch.
Each is a simple way to expand your reach and get your business noticed.
Make it really easy for someone to say yes:
give a clear price
explain how to order – message, DM (direct message on social media), call or email.
tell them when it will be ready or delivered.
Example social media post: “Mixed dozen biscuit boxes available this weekend! Message me before 5:00pm this Friday and I’ll have your order ready on Saturday morning for pickup. $25 for a box.”
You don’t need an online store right away however, you do need to set up a payment system from the start to accept your customers payments.
Once someone purchases from you, thank them. Then ask them to:
leave a review on your Facebook or Google page
share your page or post
tell others about you.
Each happy customer helps bring in the next.
Congratulations on making your first sale. Keep up the momentum by continuing to engage:
post regularly with updates, photos and behind-the-scenes content
try new offers or promotions
talk to your customers and ask what they want to see.
Learning as you go is part of the fun.
Need help with marketing?
You’ve already done the hardest part – getting started. If you’re keen to learn more about social media, logos, branding or how to grow your business, we’ve got you covered.
Feeling a bit overwhelmed? You're not alone. There’s plenty of free support available for new businesses in Tasmania, including from real people with experience who can guide you, answer questions and provide reassurance that you’re on the right track.