Online aluminium cut-to-size shop

Hobbyists, small fabricators, boat and trailer builders, signmakers, tradies and makers who only need a few lengths at a time.

You add a margin to the wholesale price and charge for cutting and delivery. Your edge is convenience, small quantities and clear online pricing.

• Knowing aluminium grades and sizes
• Pricing and margin maths
• Customer service by phone and email
• Basic online shop management

• Public liability and product liability insurance, check what cover your suppliers and customers expect
• Freight cost and damage on long or heavy items, check carrier limits and claims
• Wrong grade or size claims, so state specs clearly and keep supplier certificates
• Council approval if you store stock or run the business from home
• Metal prices can change, so check how often your supplier updates costs
• Register for an ABN, and for GST once you reach the threshold

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on your website, any stock you hold and whether you rent storage space. Metal prices can change, so check how often your supplier updates costs.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on your range, pricing and customer base. Freight cost and damage on long or heavy items can affect what you keep, so check carrier limits and claims.

Check what public liability and product liability cover your suppliers and customers expect. Also check council approval if you store stock or run the business from home, and register for an ABN, and for GST once you reach the threshold.