Start a local appliance showroom

Homeowners replacing a broken appliance, renovators, landlords and property managers, and people moving into new homes.

You buy from suppliers or a buying group and sell at a markup. Extra income can come from delivery, installation referrals, extended warranties and removal of old appliances.

• Product knowledge and honest advice
• Customer service and negotiating
• Stock control and basic bookkeeping

• Stock is a big upfront cost and unsold models tie up cash, so start with a small range
• Australian Consumer Law guarantees and warranty handling, check your responsibilities with the ACCC or your state fair trading office
• Electrical and gas appliances must meet Australian safety and compliance requirements, check with your state electrical and gas regulators
• Hard-wiring or gas connections need a licensed tradesperson, so refer rather than do it yourself
• Public liability and stock insurance, and workers compensation once you hire
• Commercial lease terms, and council or zoning approval for the premises
• Manual handling injuries from heavy deliveries, plan for lifting equipment and a second person

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $40,000 to $150,000, depending on the size of your premises and how much stock you buy. Stock is a big upfront cost, so starting with a small range may help.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $25,000 to $120,000, depending on your location, range and how many deliveries you handle. These are revenue figures before stock, rent and other costs.

Check your Australian Consumer Law and warranty responsibilities with the ACCC or state fair trading, electrical and gas compliance with your state regulators, your lease and council or zoning approval, and your insurance. Hard-wiring or gas connections need a licensed tradesperson.