Commercial refrigeration showroom and stock
Run a small showroom and warehouse selling new and reconditioned commercial fridges to local hospitality and retail businesses.
- A$30k-120k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
A small unit with display and stored stock of commercial fridges, freezers, display cabinets and coolrooms parts. Customers can see the equipment, and you offer fast local delivery.
Your first three steps
- Visit local hospitality businesses to find out what they buy, what they pay and what frustrates them about current suppliers
- Set up trade accounts with a few wholesalers and importers, and price a starter range of fast-selling models
- Look at small industrial units near hospitality areas and check council zoning and lease terms before signing
Who pays
Restaurants, cafes, pubs, butchers, supermarkets and corner shops, plus caterers and fit-out firms that need equipment quickly.
How it makes money
Margin on each unit sold, with extra income from delivery, trade-ins of old units, extended warranties and accessories.
Skills that help
- Sales and negotiation
- Stock and cash flow management
- Product knowledge of refrigeration types
- Customer service
Watch out for
- Cash tied up in stock: start with a small range and grow it
- Check council zoning and permits for a showroom or warehouse use
- Public liability, product liability and stock insurance
- Check refrigerant rules in Australia: handling or servicing refrigerants usually needs an ARC licence, selling sealed units may not, so confirm what applies to you
- Check electrical safety and energy labelling requirements for new and second-hand units
- Workers compensation insurance once you hire, and safe handling of heavy equipment
- Warranty claims and the Australian Consumer Law
Deep research report · Australia
Everything you need to start: commercial refrigeration showroom and stock
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 start a commercial fridge showroom in Australia?
Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $30,000 to $120,000, depending on your premises, the range of stock you carry and your display and delivery setup. Starting with a small range can limit the cash tied up in stock.
How much can a commercial refrigeration showroom earn?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $10,000 to $45,000, depending on your stock range, location, pricing and how many hospitality and retail customers you win. Revenue is not profit, so allow for stock, rent and delivery costs.
What rules should I check before selling commercial fridges in Australia?
Check council zoning and permits for showroom or warehouse use, and refrigerant rules: handling or servicing refrigerants usually needs an ARC licence, while selling sealed units may not. Also check electrical safety, energy labelling, insurance and Australian Consumer Law warranty duties.
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