Lighting trade counter
Run a small unit where tradies and shops can pick up globes, lamps and fittings, with delivery on the side.
- A$20k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
A small shop or trade counter in an industrial area, stocking a wide range of globes, lamps, downlights and basic fittings. Tradies can pop in for same-day supplies, and you also deliver to regular accounts.
Your first three steps
- Visit local electrical wholesalers and tradie hangouts to see what is missing nearby and what prices to beat
- Price up a small unit in an industrial area and build a budget for starting stock, shelving and a point-of-sale system
- Set up supplier accounts and an ABN, then pre-sell by offering trade account terms to local electricians and property managers
Who pays
Electricians, builders, maintenance teams, property managers, shops and local households who want expert advice.
How it makes money
Margin on products sold over the counter and to trade accounts. Having stock on hand lets you charge for convenience, and bulk orders from building firms add steady sales.
Skills that help
- Customer service and product knowledge
- Stock control and buying
- Building trade accounts
- Basic bookkeeping
Watch out for
- Commercial lease terms and council zoning for retail or trade use, so check before signing
- Electrical products may need to meet Australian safety and energy labelling rules, so check with suppliers and the regulator
- Public liability, product liability and stock insurance
- Larger wholesalers and online sellers compete hard on price, so you need a niche such as speed or advice
- Workers compensation insurance once you hire staff, as set by your state scheme
Deep research report · Australia
Everything you need to start: lighting trade counter
Researched with live web search for Australia: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to open a lighting trade counter?
Startup costs are typically around $20,000 to $60,000, depending on the unit you rent, the range of stock you carry and your fit-out. These are estimates only. Check lease terms carefully before you commit.
How much can a lighting trade counter make?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on your location, stock range and number of trade accounts. That is revenue, not profit. Larger sellers compete on price, so a niche like speed or advice matters. Expect at least 30 hours a week.
What should I check before opening a lighting trade counter?
Check commercial lease terms and council zoning for retail or trade use before signing. Check whether electrical products meet Australian safety and energy labelling rules, with suppliers and the regulator. Check insurance, and workers compensation once you hire staff.
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