Trade counter for paints and finishes

Painters, decorators, joiners, builders and keen DIYers in your area.

Margin on products sold, with repeat trade accounts, tinting or mixing services and delivery charges adding to income.

• Product knowledge across paints and finishes
• Customer service and selling
• Stock control and ordering
• Managing accounts and staff

• Council zoning and approvals for your premises and the storage of paints and solvents
• Fire safety, ventilation and dangerous goods storage rules, check with your state's workplace safety regulator
• Heavy up-front stock and lease costs before sales build
• Public liability, product liability, contents and business interruption insurance
• Workers compensation insurance once you hire staff
• Competition from large hardware chains, so plan how you will stand out

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $40,000 to $150,000, depending on premises, opening stock, fit-out and insurance. Heavy up-front stock and lease costs come before sales build, so plan your cash carefully.

Check council zoning and approvals for your premises and for storing paints and solvents. Also check fire safety, ventilation and dangerous goods storage rules with your state's workplace safety regulator, plus the insurance you need.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $15,000 to $70,000, depending on location, range and how many local tradies you win. Competition from large hardware chains is a factor, so plan how you will stand out. Expect about 40 hours a week or more.