Glass block showroom and trade counter

Local builders, tilers, bathroom renovators, architects and designers, and homeowners wanting to see the product first.

Margin on blocks and accessories sold from stock, with trade accounts for repeat builders and delivery fees for larger orders.

• Sales and customer service
• Stock control and ordering
• Basic knowledge of building materials

• Check zoning and council approval for the unit and showroom use
• Stock is heavy and fragile, so plan storage, manual handling and breakage losses
• Cash flow is tied up in stock, so start with fast-selling sizes and patterns
• Check public liability and product liability cover, and workers compensation once you hire
• Check supplier documentation before making structural or fire-rating claims
• GST registration is required once your turnover reaches the threshold

Startup costs are typically around $25,000 to $90,000, depending on the unit, display panels and how much stock you carry at the start. These are estimates only, so get quotes for rent, fit-out and your first stock order.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on your location, the range you stock and how many builders and homeowners buy from you. Revenue is not profit, so allow for rent, stock and running costs.

Check zoning and council approval for the unit and showroom use, plus public liability and product liability cover, and workers compensation once you hire. Also plan for heavy, fragile stock, and check supplier documentation before making structural or fire-rating claims.