Local lab supplies and equipment supplier

Schools, TAFEs, councils, water and environmental testing firms, food producers, vet and pathology businesses, and local research groups.

Markup on consumables and equipment, regular standing orders, and commission or margin on larger instrument sales, sometimes with delivery or setup fees.

• Sales and quoting
• Product knowledge or willingness to learn it
• Stock control and logistics
• Dealing with tenders and purchase orders

• Stock and cash tied up in inventory before sales are steady
• Dangerous goods storage and transport rules vary by state, check with your state regulator
• Government and school buyers may use panel or tender arrangements, check how to get on them
• Public liability and product liability insurance, plus workers compensation once you hire
• Council zoning and approval for your premises
• Therapeutic Goods Administration rules may apply to some diagnostic products

Startup costs are typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on your premises, stock and delivery arrangements. These are estimates only, so your own costs will vary. Stock and cash can be tied up before sales are steady.

Monthly revenue is typically around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on your range, customers and the equipment you represent. These are estimates, so actual results will vary with local demand and how quickly you win regular buyers.

Dangerous goods storage and transport rules vary by state, so check with your state regulator. Government and school buyers may use panel or tender arrangements. Also check insurance, council zoning for your premises, workers compensation once you hire, and whether Therapeutic Goods Administration rules apply to diagnostic products.