Glass repair workshop and shopfront
Run a small unit that cuts glass to size, repairs frames and takes walk-in and trade orders.
- A$20k-80k
- Full-time
- Own premises
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
A small workshop or shopfront where you cut and prepare glass, make up replacement panels, repair framed windows and doors, and send fitters out to install, alongside walk-in repairs such as mirrors and tabletops.
Your first three steps
- Work for an established glazier first if you can, to learn cutting, safety glass rules and pricing, and check your state's licensing requirements
- Look at small industrial units to rent and check with the local council that zoning allows glass cutting and customer visits
- Sign up trade accounts with builders and property managers, and agree supply terms with glass wholesalers
Who pays
Homeowners, builders, other tradies, property managers and local businesses.
How it makes money
Charges for cut-to-size glass, mirrors and panels, plus fitting labour. Regular trade accounts with builders and property managers help smooth out income.
Skills that help
- Glass cutting and finishing
- Quoting and pricing
- Managing stock and suppliers
- Leading a small team
Watch out for
- State licensing for glazing and building work, check your state's licensing body
- Council zoning and approval for workshop premises, plus lease costs and fit-out
- Public liability and property insurance, and workers compensation once you hire
- Storage and handling of large glass sheets, which needs racking, proper lifting gear and safety training
- Stock waste from breakages and mis-cuts can eat into margins
Deep research report · Australia
Everything you need to start: glass repair workshop and shopfront
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 repair workshop in Australia?
Startup costs are typically estimated at around $20,000 to $80,000, depending on your premises, lease, fit-out, equipment and opening stock. Get quotes for your own setup before committing.
How much revenue can a glass workshop make?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $8,000 to $35,000, depending on your location, trade and walk-in mix, and team size. Revenue is not profit, so allow for rent, stock waste from breakages and wages.
What rules should I check before opening a glass workshop?
Check your state's licensing body for glazing and building work, and council zoning and approval for the premises. Also check public liability and property insurance, workers compensation once you hire, and safe storage and handling of large glass sheets.
Other ways to run this business
Similar trades ideas
Mobile hose and fittings van
Drive to farms, workshops and worksites with hose stock, and make or replace hoses on the spot.
- A$25k-80k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Re-roofing crew for homes and small buildings
Lead a small crew that replaces tile or metal roofs on homes and small commercial buildings.
- A$20k-80k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Flooring supply and fit with a small showroom
Sell and fit carpet, timber, vinyl and tile to homeowners from a small shopfront or unit with samples.
- A$20k-80k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Commercial gas fitting crew
Run a small crew installing gas lines and equipment for cafes, restaurants, pubs and small developments.
- A$25k-80k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Commercial partitions and ceilings crew
Lead a small crew building office and shop partitions and ceilings for developers and fit-out firms.
- A$20k-80k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Mini excavator groundworks operator
Own a mini excavator and trailer, and dig, level and trench for home builders, landscapers and homeowners.
- A$20k-80k
- Full-time
- Out and about