Trade supplier of industrial and measuring lasers

Fabrication and sign workshops, builders and surveyors, engineering firms, laboratories, schools and training providers.

A margin on equipment sales, repeat sales of consumables and spare parts, and paid installation, training, calibration or service work.

• Technical knowledge of lasers and workshop equipment
• B2B sales and relationship building
• Stock control and basic bookkeeping

• Laser safety: check Australian standards and your state's radiation safety regulator about registration, training and signage for higher-powered lasers
• Medical and therapeutic lasers are regulated as therapeutic goods, so check with the TGA before going near that market
• Stock and demo units tie up cash, so negotiate consignment or low minimum orders where you can
• Check council zoning for your premises and arrange public liability, product liability and stock insurance
• Confirm electrical compliance marking, warranty responsibilities and calibration or service arrangements with each supplier
• Register for GST once you reach the threshold, and check workers compensation requirements if you hire

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $20,000 to $80,000, depending on your premises, stock, demo units and insurance. Stock and demos tie up cash, so negotiate consignment or low minimum orders where you can.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $10,000 to $50,000, depending on the range you stock, your trade customers and pricing. This is revenue before costs. Expect to put in at least 30 hours a week.

Things to check: Australian standards and your state radiation safety regulator for higher-powered lasers, TGA rules for medical lasers, council zoning, electrical compliance marking, warranty and calibration arrangements with suppliers, and GST and workers compensation.