Online copper sheet, pipe and offcuts shop

Jewellers, metalworkers, hobbyists, roofers, small fabricators, plumbers and makers who want small quantities without a trade account.

You mark up wholesale copper and charge for cutting and packing. Offcut bundles and cut-to-size sheet usually carry better margins than standard lengths.

• Basic metal cutting and handling
• Online selling and photography
• Careful stock and price tracking

• Copper prices move, so check how often you need to update prices to protect your margin
• Public liability and product liability insurance, especially if you sell pipe used for plumbing or gas
• If you buy back scrap or offcuts, check your state's rules on scrap metal and second-hand dealers
• Running a business from home may need council approval, check with your local council
• Heavy sheet and sharp edges, plan for safe manual handling and courier weight limits

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how much copper stock you buy, your cutting tools and where you store it. Monthly revenue is typically estimated around $1,500 to $7,500.

Things to check include how often you'll need to update prices as copper prices move, public liability and product liability insurance (especially for pipe used in plumbing or gas), council approval for home businesses, and your state's rules if you buy back scrap or offcuts.

Useful skills include basic metal cutting and handling, online selling and photography, and careful stock and price tracking. Estimates suggest at least about 10 hours a week, and you should plan for safe manual handling of heavy sheet and sharp edges.