Lab consumables supplier for testing labs

Commercial testing labs (food, water, environmental, agricultural), university research groups, hospital and pathology labs, and industry quality control labs.

Margin on each order, with repeat monthly or quarterly orders from regular accounts. Some suppliers also offer standing orders or volume pricing agreements.

• Building trust with technical buyers
• Learning product specs quickly
• Negotiating with suppliers
• Reliable follow-up and delivery

• Public liability and product liability insurance, and check whether your supplier agreements require specific cover
• Large buyers such as universities and hospitals often use tender or preferred supplier arrangements, so check how to get on those lists
• Some items, such as chemicals or dangerous goods, have storage and transport rules that vary by state, so check with your state regulator
• Stock tied up in goods and long payment terms from larger customers can strain cash flow
• Ensure your ABN is registered and check when GST registration applies to you

Startup costs are typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on how much stock you buy upfront, your product range and your delivery setup. These are estimates only, and your costs will vary with the labs you plan to serve.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your customers, the products you stock and how regular their orders are. The estimates assume at least around 15 hours a week, so results vary.

Check public liability and product liability insurance and any supplier agreement requirements. Large buyers such as universities and hospitals often use tender or preferred supplier arrangements. Dangerous goods rules vary by state, so check with your regulator, and confirm your ABN and GST position.