New and custom pallet maker
Build new pallets and crates to size for local manufacturers and freight firms that need a custom fit.
- A$15k-70k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
A small workshop building new timber pallets and crates cut to the customer's size and load needs, alongside some standard pallets and repairs.
Your first three steps
- Visit local manufacturers and exporters to find who needs custom sizes and what they pay now
- Find a workshop or unit, check zoning with your local council and get quotes from timber suppliers
- Make sample pallets and offer a small first order at a fair price to win a regular customer
Who pays
Manufacturers, exporters, machinery makers and freight firms with products that do not fit standard pallets.
How it makes money
Price per pallet or crate, usually quoted by size and load rating, with repeat orders from regular customers.
Skills that help
- Carpentry and workshop skills
- Measuring and quoting accurately
- Using saws and nail guns safely
Watch out for
- Zoning and council approval for a workshop and noise or dust limits
- Workplace health and safety duties for machinery, dust and manual handling
- Export pallets may need treated timber and marking, check current Australian biosecurity requirements
- Public liability, product liability and workers compensation once you hire
- Timber price changes affecting your margins
Deep research report · Australia
Everything you need to start: new and custom pallet maker
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 pallet making business?
Startup costs are typically around $15,000 to $70,000, depending on your workshop, saws and nail guns, and timber stock. These are estimates only, so get quotes for your own setup before committing.
How much can a custom pallet maker earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on your customers, order sizes and hours. These are estimates, not guarantees. Timber price changes can affect your margins, so quote carefully.
What rules should I check before making pallets in Australia?
Check zoning and council approval for a workshop, including noise and dust limits. Also check workplace health and safety duties for machinery, dust and manual handling, and current Australian biosecurity requirements if making export pallets.
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