Fire protection trade counter and stockroom

Fire protection installers, plumbers, building and maintenance contractors, and facilities managers in your region.

Retail-to-trade margins on stocked parts, with extra income from fast delivery, kitted-out job packs and account customers who order every week.

• Product knowledge of fire protection components
• Stock control and purchasing
• Managing trade accounts and credit

• Stock ties up a lot of cash, so start with fast-moving lines and order cautiously
• Check that products are certified and compliant for their intended use, and keep documentation for customers
• Public liability, product liability and stock insurance, plus workers compensation once you hire staff
• Zoning and council rules for your unit, and any storage rules for pressurised cylinders or suppression agents, so check with your local council and state authority
• Long payment terms from building customers, so check credit before offering accounts

Startup costs are typically around $40,000 to $150,000, depending on your unit, how much stock you buy, insurance and any delivery vehicle. Stock ties up a lot of cash, so starting with fast-moving lines can help.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $20,000 to $90,000, depending on your stock range, location and how many installers and contractors buy on account. This is revenue, not profit. Plan on at least about 40 hours a week.

Check that products are certified and compliant for their intended use and keep documentation for customers. Check zoning and council rules for your unit, storage rules for pressurised cylinders or suppression agents, insurance including workers compensation, and customer credit before offering accounts.