Small glass cutting and supply shop
Run a small shop or unit that cuts glass to size, makes mirrors and tabletops, and supplies tradies and households.
- A$30k-120k
- Full-time
- Own premises
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
A small shopfront or workshop unit with a cutting table, edging tools and glass storage. You cut glass to order, supply mirrors, picture glass, tabletops and splashbacks, and order in larger or toughened pieces from wholesalers. You can also take on glazing jobs through a mobile service.
Your first three steps
- Visit local glass shops and wholesalers to see what is in demand, then set up trade accounts with one or two suppliers
- Check the lease, zoning and council requirements for a unit that suits a workshop with deliveries and glass storage
- Price the cutting table, tools, racks and safety gear, and arrange insurance before opening
Who pays
Households, builders and renovators, other tradies, framers, cabinet makers and local businesses.
How it makes money
Selling cut-to-size glass and fittings at a markup on wholesale cost, with extra charges for edging, drilling, delivery and installation.
Skills that help
- Glass cutting and finishing
- Measuring and quoting
- Stock and supplier management
- Customer service at the counter
Watch out for
- Licensing: check your state's rules if you also install glass, since these vary across Australia
- Public liability and property insurance, plus workers compensation once you hire
- Workplace health and safety: glass dust, cuts and manual handling need safe systems
- Breakage and wastage eating into margins, so plan stock and pricing carefully
- Council approval and zoning for the premises
Deep research report · Australia
Everything you need to start: small glass cutting and supply shop
Researched with live web search for Australia: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to open a glass cutting shop in Australia?
Startup costs are typically around $30,000 to $120,000, depending on the premises, cutting and edging equipment, glass storage and opening stock. These are estimates, so get quotes for your own setup.
How much can a glass cutting and supply shop earn?
Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on your customers, product range and trade accounts. Breakage and wastage can eat into margins, so plan stock and pricing carefully.
What rules should I check before opening a glass shop?
Check your state's licensing rules if you also install glass, as these vary across Australia. Also check public liability and property insurance, workers compensation once you hire, workplace health and safety for glass dust, cuts and manual handling, and council approval and zoning.
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