Heating trade counter and parts shop

Run a small trade counter stocking boilers and heating parts so local plumbers can pick up what they need the same day.

Startup costA$30k to A$120k
Monthly revenueA$8k to A$40k
Time needed35+ h/week
First incomeMonths
  • A$30k-120k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises

Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.

What it is

A small unit or shopfront with stock of popular boilers, hydronic heating parts and fittings, open early for tradies. It suits regions where hydronic or boiler-based heating is common, such as cooler parts of the country.

Your first three steps

  1. Check whether enough local installers use boiler or hydronic systems to support a counter, by speaking to them directly
  2. Secure supply agreements with distributors and price a starter stock list focused on fast-moving items
  3. Find a small unit with parking and easy tradie access, and check council zoning and lease terms before signing
Who pays

Local plumbers, gasfitters, heating installers and building maintenance teams, with some walk-in homeowners.

How it makes money

Markup on stock sold over the counter, trade accounts with monthly invoicing, and deliveries to job sites.

Skills that help
  • Product knowledge of heating systems
  • Stock control and ordering
  • Building trade relationships
Watch out for
  • Stock is a large upfront cost and slow-moving items tie up cash
  • Only sell certified gas appliances, and check requirements with your state regulator
  • Council approval for the premises and signage
  • Public liability, product liability and stock insurance
  • Offering trade credit carries a risk of late payment, so set clear account terms

Deep research report · Australia

Everything you need to start: heating trade counter and parts shop

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
Ready in about 2 minutes · one-off payment, tax included

See a full sample report

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to open a heating trade counter?

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $30,000 to $120,000, depending on your premises, signage and how much stock you carry. Stock is a large upfront cost, and slow-moving items can tie up cash.

How much can a heating parts trade counter earn?

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on your location, stock range and how many local plumbers, gasfitters and installers buy from you regularly.

What should I check before opening a trade counter for boilers?

Check that you only sell certified gas appliances and confirm requirements with your state regulator. Also check council approval for the premises and signage, public liability, product liability and stock insurance, and clear terms for trade credit accounts.

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