Wide-format lamination and finishing shop

Cafes and restaurants, real estate agents, schools, councils, event organisers, architects, and graphic designers who need durable finishes on printed work.

Priced per item or per square metre, with extras for mounting, cutting to shape and rush jobs, plus regular accounts for repeat business customers.

• Operating and maintaining machinery
• Careful finishing work
• Quoting and customer service

• Check zoning and council requirements for your unit, including any signage rules
• Public liability and contents insurance, and workers compensation insurance once you hire staff
• Commercial lease terms and rent are a fixed cost, so test demand before committing
• Large machines and cutters carry injury risks, so check workplace health and safety obligations for your state
• An ABN is needed, and GST registration once turnover reaches the threshold

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $8,000 to $35,000, depending on the size of your wide-format laminator, trimmers and mounting tools, and your lease and fit-out. Rent is a fixed cost, so test demand before committing.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $3,000 to $14,000, depending on how many cafes, schools, agents, event organisers and designers you serve and the size of the jobs. Repeat business from regular customers can help steady income.

Check zoning and council requirements for your unit, including signage rules. Check workplace health and safety obligations for your state, as large machines and cutters carry injury risks. You'll need an ABN and GST registration once turnover reaches the threshold, plus insurance.