ATO benchmarks for fishmongers
Fishmongers sell fresh fish, prawns, oysters and other seafood by weight, restocking often from markets and wholesalers, while seafood, ice, cold storage and staff are their main costs.
General information
Total expenses as a share of turnover
Low and high end of each published range
| Turnover range | Financial year | Low end | High end |
|---|---|---|---|
| $65,000 to $500,000 | 2023-24 | 76% | 88% |
| $65,000 to $500,000 | 2022-23 | 80% | 89% |
| $500,001 to $1,000,000 | 2023-24 | 85% | 92% |
| $500,001 to $1,000,000 | 2022-23 | 87% | 93% |
| More than $1,000,000 | 2023-24 | 90% | 94% |
| More than $1,000,000 | 2022-23 | 90% | 94% |
Australian Taxation Office, Small Business Benchmarks, key ratios for 2023-24 and 2022-23 (data.gov.au), licensed under CC BY 2.5 AU. Checked 15 Oct 2026.
Cost of sales as a share of turnover
Low and high end of each published range
| Turnover range | Financial year | Low end | High end |
|---|---|---|---|
| $65,000 to $500,000 | 2023-24 | 58% | 69% |
| $65,000 to $500,000 | 2022-23 | 59% | 67% |
| $500,001 to $1,000,000 | 2023-24 | 57% | 67% |
| $500,001 to $1,000,000 | 2022-23 | 56% | 67% |
| More than $1,000,000 | 2023-24 | 63% | 73% |
| More than $1,000,000 | 2022-23 | 64% | 73% |
Australian Taxation Office, Small Business Benchmarks, key ratios for 2023-24 and 2022-23 (data.gov.au), licensed under CC BY 2.5 AU. Checked 15 Oct 2026.
What sits behind these figures in the books
- Cost of sales covers the fresh and frozen seafood bought to sell, adjusted for what is left in the display and coolroom at the period end, which stays small when stock turns over quickly.
- Fish that is filleted, cooked or crumbed in the shop is still recorded at what it cost to buy, so prepared lines count in cost of sales the same way whole fish do.
- Market and wholesaler invoices are entered against each purchase date, and cash paid at the market is recorded with a receipt, so every buy reaches the books.
Sources
- Small Business Benchmarks, 2023-24 Benchmarks (key ratios)
Australian Taxation Office. 2023-24 financial year, released 16 March 2026. Checked 15 October 2026.
Based on Australian Taxation Office data, Small Business Benchmarks, 2023-24 Benchmarks, licensed under CC BY 2.5 AU Licence: CC BY 2.5 AU.
- Small Business Benchmarks, 2022-23 Benchmarks (key ratios)
Australian Taxation Office. 2022-23 financial year, released 17 March 2025. Checked 15 October 2026.
Based on Australian Taxation Office data, Small Business Benchmarks, 2022-23 Benchmarks, licensed under CC BY 2.5 AU Licence: CC BY 2.5 AU.
Get your books in order
Cost of sales and total expenses are only as reliable as the books behind them. Tell us how your business runs and we will suggest a bookkeeping plan that fits.