Small flooring showroom

Homeowners renovating, landlords and investors, builders, and local tradies who buy for their jobs.

You buy from suppliers or wholesalers and sell at a markup per square metre. Extra income can come from underlay, trims, adhesives and installation referrals or coordination.

• Customer service and quoting
• Product knowledge across flooring types
• Measuring and ordering accurately
• Basic bookkeeping and stock control

• Lease terms, bond and fit-out costs, so get advice before signing
• Public liability and product liability insurance, plus workers compensation once you hire staff
• If you arrange or supply installation, check your state's licensing rules, as some states require licences for certain flooring or tiling work
• Australian Consumer Law obligations on product quality, returns and warranties
• Tying up cash in stock and dealing with customers who change or cancel orders
• Older floors and adhesives may contain asbestos, so check safe-handling advice if you advise on removal

As an estimate, startup costs are typically around $40,000 to $150,000, depending on your lease, bond, fit-out and stock on hand. Get advice on lease terms before signing.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $20,000 to $100,000, depending on your location, product range and how many jobs you quote and win. Cash tied up in stock and cancelled orders can affect results.

If you arrange or supply installation, check your state's licensing rules, as some states require licences for certain flooring or tiling work. Also check insurance, Australian Consumer Law on quality, returns and warranties, and asbestos safe-handling advice for older floors.