Small businesses maintain high hopes that retail activity will go back to normal after the national elections. A number of business operators noted trickling customers as August 21 approaches.

Derek Ingham, owner of Croc Stars Reptile Shows, believes consumers are holding on to their money because of the elections. He said they used to have at least one inquiry about their shows each day, but since the announcement of elections management has had to seek customers.

"I know when an election is announced things tighten up, people are not sure what's going to happen next," Derek said.

The retail business is also suffering from consumer inactivity. Lew Newman of Hornsby Budget Trailers said incoming business calls a day went down from 40 to just three or four. He has also reduced the prices of his trailers by 10 percent and even offered as much as 10 percent discounts, but customers remain reluctant.

On the other hand, business is picking up for Dave Egan's Rhythm Restorations. Musical instruments such as guitars, drums, and violins cost thousands of dollars, so consumers would rather repair than replace. Egan, a former music teacher and musician, found a job in repairing percussion instruments for the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, the Sydney Opera House, and academic communities.

Derek and Dave may not be as fortunate as Lew, but both are hanging on. Derek said, "I'll decide that a few months down the track, see what happens... We might be heading for better times. Who knows. We like to be optimistic."