Glassware wholesaler with a small unit

Restaurants, pubs, hotels, catering companies, function venues and independent homewares retailers.

Margin on bulk sales, with higher volumes from regular hospitality accounts and seasonal peaks such as the lead-up to Christmas. Direct import of larger orders can improve margins.

• Sales and account management
• Inventory and cash flow management
• Supplier negotiation
• Driving and delivery logistics

• Rent and stock costs before sales build up, so plan your cash flow carefully
• Public liability, product liability, goods in transit and stock insurance
• Import rules, duties and GST if you buy overseas, check with the Australian Border Force and your accountant
• Workers compensation insurance once you hire staff, check your state scheme
• Safe manual handling of heavy cartons of glass

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on unit rent, the range of stock you hold, delivery arrangements and insurance. Rent and stock costs come before sales build up, so plan your cash flow carefully.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on how many trade accounts you build, your range and order sizes. That is revenue, not profit, once rent, stock and delivery costs are covered.

Check public liability, product liability, goods in transit and stock insurance. If you buy overseas, check import rules, duties and GST with the Australian Border Force and your accountant. Also check workers compensation once you hire, and safe manual handling of heavy cartons.