Ceramics wholesaler with a small warehouse

Independent homeware retailers, cafes, restaurants, gift shops and interior stylists who buy regularly and want local delivery.

Wholesale margin on a larger range, with repeat orders, trade accounts and container-load pricing improving your costs per item.

• Managing stock and cash flow
• Importing and logistics
• Selling to trade customers
• Basic bookkeeping

• Large upfront stock costs and slow-selling lines; stock, freight, duty, a unit bond, racking and fit-out all need funding before sales build up
• Customs, duty and GST on imports, a customs broker can help
• Check food-contact safety requirements for tableware before selling
• Public liability, product liability and stock insurance for the warehouse
• Workers compensation insurance once you hire staff, check your state scheme
• Retailers paying late, set clear payment terms and check new accounts

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $80,000 to $250,000, depending on stock, freight, duty, a unit bond, racking and fit-out. All of these need funding before sales build up, so plan your cash carefully.

Check customs, duty and GST on imports; a customs broker can help. Also check food-contact safety requirements for tableware before selling, and look into public liability, product liability and stock insurance for the warehouse.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue is typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on your range, customer base and how often retailers reorder. Late-paying retailers can strain cash flow, so set clear payment terms and check new accounts.