Bagged firewood and kindling supplier

Petrol stations, general stores, hardware shops, caravan parks and campgrounds, plus some direct buyers at markets.

Wholesale price per bag to stockists, with a higher retail price per bag at markets or roadside stalls. Regular weekly or fortnightly restocking gives steady orders.

• Consistent quality control and packing
• Negotiating with local shops
• Basic bookkeeping and invoicing

• Public liability insurance, and check whether stockists require a certificate
• Check with your local council about storage and any home-based business approval
• Check rules in your state on moving firewood, as some areas have biosecurity or pest controls
• Low margins per bag, so work out your costs and time carefully
• Wet or green wood damages your reputation with shops fast

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on your equipment, packaging and how much timber you buy and store before you start selling to stockists.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue is typically around $800 to $4,000, depending on how many stockists you supply and your prices. Margins per bag can be low, so work out costs and time carefully. About 10 hours a week at minimum.

Check public liability insurance and whether stockists require a certificate. Also check with your local council about storage and home-based business approval, and your state's rules on moving firewood, as some areas have biosecurity or pest controls.