Niche goods wholesaler from a small warehouse unit

Independent grocers, specialty food stores, cafes, takeaways, hospitality venues and small retailers looking for a local supplier with flexible order sizes.

Margin on bulk-bought stock sold at trade prices, with extra from delivery fees or minimum order values. A narrow range can let you buy better and stand out.

• Sourcing and buying
• Stock management and organising
• Building trade customer relationships

• Rent and stock tie up cash, so test demand before signing a long lease
• Food storage and sale may need registration with your local council or state food authority, and labelling must meet Food Standards Code requirements, so check first
• Imported goods need to meet biosecurity, labelling and product safety rules, check with the relevant federal agencies
• Public liability, stock and property insurance, plus workers compensation if you hire
• Check GST registration once you reach the turnover threshold
• Customers paying late or not at all, so consider credit checks and clear terms

Estimates typically put startup costs at around $25,000 to $100,000, depending on your rent, opening stock and how specialised your range is. Rent and stock tie up cash, so test demand before signing a long lease.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $15,000 to $75,000, depending on your product niche, customer base and order sizes. Late-paying customers can strain cash flow, so consider credit checks and clear payment terms.

Check whether food storage and sale needs registration with your council or state food authority, and that labelling meets Food Standards Code requirements. Imported goods need to meet biosecurity, labelling and product safety rules. Also check GST registration once you reach the turnover threshold.