Bathroom supplies showroom and trade counter
Open a small showroom and trade counter supplying fittings to local plumbers, builders and homeowners.
- A$40k-150k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
A small shop or unit with displays of taps, showers, basins, toilets and vanities, plus a trade counter and stock of fast-moving items.
Your first three steps
- Visit local plumbers and builders to learn what they buy, then research which wholesalers and brands will give you a trade account
- Price up a small unit or shopfront near trade traffic, including lease, fit-out and starting stock
- Register an ABN, check council and landlord rules for the premises, and arrange insurance before ordering stock
Who pays
Plumbers, builders and renovators on trade accounts, plus homeowners who want to see products before buying.
How it makes money
Margin on products sold. Trade accounts bring repeat orders, and homeowners may buy a full bathroom package.
Skills that help
- Product knowledge and helping people choose
- Stock control and ordering
- Building relationships with local tradies
Watch out for
- Plumbing products usually need to meet WaterMark certification and WELS labelling, so check your range
- Money tied up in stock and slow-moving display items
- Lease terms and bond, and whether council approves your use of the premises
- Public liability and stock insurance, and workers compensation once you hire staff
- Competition from big hardware chains and online sellers on price
Deep research report · Australia
Everything you need to start: bathroom supplies showroom and trade counter
Researched with live web search for Australia: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to open a bathroom supplies showroom?
Startup costs are typically estimated at around $40,000 to $150,000, depending on your premises, displays and how much stock you hold. Money can get tied up in stock and slow-moving display items.
How much revenue can a bathroom showroom make?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $20,000 to $100,000, depending on your location, range and how many trade accounts you win. Treat this as revenue before stock, rent and wages.
What should I check before opening a bathroom supplies showroom?
Check that your range meets WaterMark certification and WELS labelling. Check lease terms, bond and council approval for your premises, and look at public liability and stock insurance, plus workers compensation once you hire staff.
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