Food equipment reseller for small producers

Small food producers, bakeries, commercial kitchens, butchers, cafes moving into wholesale, and farm food businesses.

A margin on each machine you resell, or commission from the supplier. Extra income can come from accessories, spare parts and repeat orders.

• Talking with business owners and understanding their needs
• Learning how food machines work and what they cost to run
• Following up quotes and keeping records

• Public liability and product liability insurance, check what your insurer needs for resold machines
• Your responsibilities under Australian Consumer Law for warranties and faults
• Whether machines meet Australian electrical and safety standards, especially if imported
• Supplier agreements: check who handles installation, repairs and returns
• Council approval for a home-based business, and GST registration once you reach the threshold
• Long sales cycles, since buyers often take months to decide on larger machines

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your set-up and how you source stock. Working from home with supplier stock or direct shipping is what keeps these estimates relatively low.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the machines you sell and how many buyers you win. Sales cycles can be long, since buyers often take months to decide on larger machines.

Check what insurance your insurer needs for resold machines, your Australian Consumer Law duties on warranties and faults, and whether imported machines meet electrical and safety standards. Also check supplier agreements, council approval for a home business, and GST registration.