Flooring showroom and trade supply unit

Local installers and builders on trade accounts, plus homeowners and landlords renovating floors.

Markup on flooring per square metre, plus underlay, trims, adhesives and accessories. Trade accounts bring repeat orders, while retail customers usually pay higher margins.

• Product knowledge of timber, laminate and underlay
• Quoting and measuring
• Stock control and ordering
• Managing trade accounts and payments

• Stock is a big upfront cost and unsold ranges tie up cash, so start with a small range
• Lease terms, bond and zoning, so check with your local council before signing
• Check that imported or supplied products meet Australian requirements, including formaldehyde emission labelling and timber legality rules
• Offering credit to trade customers carries a risk of late or unpaid invoices
• Public liability, product liability, and stock and contents insurance, plus workers compensation once you hire
• Manual handling of heavy packs, so check safe lifting practices and equipment

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $30,000 to $120,000, depending on your premises, display boards and the stock you hold. Stock is a big upfront cost, so starting with a small range can help.

Check lease terms, bond and zoning with your local council before signing. Also check that products meet Australian requirements, including formaldehyde emission labelling and timber legality rules, plus insurance, trade credit risk and safe manual handling.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $15,000 to $70,000, depending on your location, range and trade accounts. Plan for about 40 hours a week or more, and watch for late or unpaid trade invoices.