Dairy parts and consumables supplier

Dairy farmers and farm staff, and sometimes local farm service techs who buy parts to fit.

Mark up on parts and consumables bought from manufacturers or wholesalers, with repeat orders from regular customers and delivery fees on smaller orders.

• Knowing milking plant parts and what fits what
• Stock control and ordering
• Building trust with farmers

• Stock ties up cash, so start with fast-moving items only
• Teat dips, sanitisers and other chemicals may have extra registration and storage rules, so check with the relevant authorities before selling them
• Council approval may be needed if you store stock or trade from home or a rural property
• Public liability and product liability insurance
• Wrong or faulty parts can cause costly downtime for farmers, so check supplier warranties and returns

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $10,000 to $50,000, depending on how much stock you hold, your shed or unit and your delivery setup. Stock ties up cash, so consider starting with fast-moving items only.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on your product range, how many farms you supply and how many hours you work. That is revenue before stock costs, freight and other expenses.

Check whether teat dips, sanitisers and other chemicals have extra registration and storage rules with the relevant authorities, whether you need council approval for storing stock or trading from home or a rural property, your insurance, and supplier warranties and returns.