Glass and mirror workshop with shopfront

Homeowners, landlords, builders, renovators and other tradies who want cut-to-size glass without waiting on a big supplier.

Sale of cut glass and mirrors priced by size and thickness, plus charges for edging, polishing, delivery and fitting. Regular trade accounts bring steady work.

• Glass cutting and finishing
• Quoting and measuring
• Managing stock and suppliers
• Customer service

• Licensing and registration for glazing work varies by state and territory
• Council approval and zoning for a workshop or shopfront
• Public liability and property insurance, plus workers compensation if you hire
• Offcut waste, breakage and manual handling injuries, so build in safe work practices
• Stock tied up in glass and lease costs, so check your cash flow before committing

Startup costs are typically around $20,000 to $90,000, depending on your premises, cutting equipment and how much glass stock you hold. Check your cash flow and lease costs before committing.

Monthly revenue is typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on your walk-in trade, how many tradies and builders you supply and whether you take fitting jobs. This is revenue, not profit, and it typically means about 35 hours a week or more.

Licensing and registration for glazing work varies by state and territory, so check yours. Also check council approval and zoning for a workshop or shopfront, public liability and property insurance, workers compensation if you hire, and safe work practices for breakage and manual handling.