Local tool and machinery hire shop

Builders, landscapers, small trade businesses, and homeowners doing renovations.

Daily, weekly and long-term hire rates per item, plus delivery, cleaning and damage fees, and sometimes sales of consumables like blades and fuel.

• Maintaining and repairing tools and machinery
• Pricing, inventory and cash flow management
• Safety knowledge and customer service

• Public liability, equipment and property insurance, and workers compensation once you hire staff
• Zoning, council approval and lease terms for a yard or industrial unit
• Safety obligations for plant and machinery, including inspections and operator instructions (check your state's workplace safety regulator)
• High upfront cost and equipment tying up cash, so check finance options carefully
• Some machinery may need operator licences or tickets, check what your customers need and what you must verify

Startup costs are typically around $30,000 to $150,000, depending on the machinery you buy, your premises and your insurance. These are estimates, and your own costs will vary with the size of the yard and stock.

Monthly revenue is typically around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on your range of equipment, how often it is hired and your location. This is an estimate only, and it is not the same as profit.

Check zoning, council approval and lease terms for your yard or unit. Also check safety obligations for plant and machinery with your state's regulator, whether some machinery needs operator licences or tickets, and insurance including workers compensation once you hire staff.