Import-to-Order equipment sourcing

Small manufacturers, farms, workshops and other businesses that want specific equipment they cannot easily find locally.

A margin or sourcing fee added to the supplier price and freight, agreed in a written quote. Deposits from customers help cover your cash needs.

• Researching suppliers and checking they are reliable
• Clear written quotes and contracts
• Managing deliveries and keeping customers updated

• Supplier scams and poor quality, so check factories, ask for references and consider an inspection before paying in full
• Duty, GST, freight and broker costs, which should be in every quote, so check them with your broker
• Whether the equipment meets Australian standards and workplace safety rules, and who is responsible if it does not
• Delays and damage in transit, so make delivery times and risk clear in your terms
• Public liability and product liability insurance, and advice on contract terms and the Australian Consumer Law

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $8,000, depending on your website or quoting tools, supplier research, sample costs and insurance. Because you buy after customers commit, you carry little stock.

Monthly revenue is typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the size of the orders you win and how many business customers you find. These are revenue estimates, not profit, starting at about 8 hours a week.

Check suppliers carefully, including references and an inspection before paying in full. Quotes should include duty, GST, freight and broker costs, confirmed with your broker. Also check the equipment meets Australian standards and workplace safety rules, and who is responsible if not.