Cut-to-Size glass and mirror workshop

Glaziers and builders who need quick cut pieces, picture framers, cabinet makers, shopfitters and households needing mirrors, shelves or table tops.

Charge per piece or per square metre, plus extra for edge work, drilled holes and delivery. Regular trade accounts give steady work, and walk-in households pay higher prices per job.

• Accurate measuring and cutting
• Safe handling of heavy, fragile sheets
• Quoting and customer service

• Public liability and product liability insurance, plus workers compensation once you hire (check your state scheme)
• Toughened and laminated glass can't be cut to size after manufacture, so check what you can offer and explain this to customers
• Check whether selling cut glass without installing it needs any licence in your state, as glazing licensing rules vary and installation often does
• Check council zoning for your unit, plus your state's work health and safety rules on manual handling and cut injuries
• Breakage costs from mistakes and transport damage, so plan for waste in your pricing

Startup costs are typically around $8,000 to $35,000, depending on your unit and deposit, cutting table and edging equipment, racking, glass stock and insurance. Plan for breakage and waste in your pricing.

Monthly revenue is typically around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on your customer mix of glaziers, builders, framers and households, plus the sizes and volumes you cut. Estimates are revenue, not profit.

Check whether selling cut glass without installing it needs any licence in your state, as glazing licensing rules vary. Also check council zoning, work health and safety rules on manual handling, your insurance, and limits on cutting toughened glass.