Niche appliance distributor with a small warehouse

Independent appliance and homewares shops, installers, builders, and small chains that want quick local supply.

You buy in volume from manufacturers or importers and sell at a wholesale margin. Fast delivery, availability and credit terms are what keep customers coming back.

• Sales and negotiation
• Stock and inventory control
• Managing cash flow
• Organising deliveries

• Appliances must meet Australian electrical safety and energy labelling rules, check with your state electrical safety regulator and the national appliance standards bodies
• Importing brings customs, compliance and currency risks, check requirements before ordering
• Public liability, product liability, and stock and goods in transit insurance
• Money tied up in stock and slow-paying customers, so check credit terms carefully
• Council zoning and lease terms for a warehouse unit, and workers compensation once you hire

Startup costs are typically around $40,000 to $150,000, depending on your warehouse unit, range and opening stock. These are estimates, so remember that money tied up in stock can strain cash flow.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $30,000 to $150,000, depending on your range, region and number of retail and installer customers. That is revenue, not profit, so allow for stock, rent and slow-paying customers.

Check Australian electrical safety and energy labelling rules with your state electrical safety regulator. Also check import requirements, insurance, customer credit terms, council zoning and lease terms for the unit, and workers compensation once you hire.