Stocked industrial blade supplier from a small unit

Factories, print and packaging businesses and food producers that cannot afford machine downtime.

Margin on blades sold from stock and on special orders, plus account customers who reorder regularly. Fast service can justify a higher price than online sellers.

• Technical product knowledge of blades and machines
• Stock control and ordering
• Building trade accounts and customer relationships

• Stock that doesn't sell, start with the fastest-moving sizes only
• Public liability and product liability insurance, plus cover for stock and premises
• Safe storage and handling of sharp goods, and workplace safety rules, check with your state's work health and safety regulator
• Council zoning and lease terms for industrial units, check before signing
• Workers compensation insurance once you hire staff, check your state scheme

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $20,000 to $80,000, depending on your unit, shelving and how much stock you hold. Start with the fastest-moving sizes only, as stock that doesn't sell ties up cash.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue is typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on your customers and stock range. Speed is the selling point, so check that your stock turns over and avoid holding sizes that don't sell.

Check council zoning and lease terms for industrial units before signing, and ask your state's work health and safety regulator about safe storage and handling of sharp goods. Also check public liability, product liability, stock and premises cover.