Dental supplies trade counter and store
Run a small unit with a trade counter and local delivery for practices and labs that need stock fast.
- A$40k-120k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
A small shop or warehouse unit stocking a wide range of dental consumables and some small equipment, with a trade counter for walk-in pickups and a delivery run to nearby practices and labs.
Your first three steps
- Talk to local practices and labs about what they struggle to get quickly, and which brands they use
- Apply for trade accounts with distributors and manufacturers, and get quotes for a unit near a dental or medical precinct
- Write a simple budget covering stock, lease, insurance and a delivery vehicle, then check it with an accountant
Who pays
Dental practices, dental technicians, labs and mobile dental services that run short of stock and want same-day pickup or delivery.
How it makes money
Margin on products sold, plus regular standing orders and delivery fees. Wider stock and fast service help you win repeat accounts.
Skills that help
- Stock control and purchasing
- Account management and sales
- Knowledge of dental products and workflows
- Managing a small team or casual staff
Watch out for
- Many dental products are regulated as medical devices. Check TGA and ARTG requirements before importing or selling any item
- Lease terms, zoning and council approvals for your premises
- Public liability and product liability insurance, plus workers compensation once you hire
- Stock tied up in slow-moving or expiring items
- Large national suppliers compete hard on price and service
Deep research report · Australia
Everything you need to start: dental supplies trade counter and store
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 dental supplies store?
Startup costs are typically around $40,000 to $120,000, depending on your premises, the range of stock you carry and any delivery set-up. These are estimates only. Stock in slow-moving or expiring items can tie up cash.
How much can a dental supplies trade counter earn?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on how many practices and labs you supply and your range. Large national suppliers compete hard on price and service, so plan your point of difference.
What rules should I check before selling dental supplies?
Many dental products are regulated as medical devices, so check TGA and ARTG requirements before importing or selling any item. Also check lease terms, zoning and council approvals for your premises, plus insurance and workers compensation once you hire.
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