Marble slab and tile yard with showroom

Kitchen fitters, masons, builders, landscapers and homeowners who want to see the stone before they buy.

You sell stock at a margin over your buying price. You can add income from delivery, offcuts, sealers and trade accounts.

• Handling and storing heavy stone safely
• Stock buying and pricing
• Customer service and trade account management

• Public liability, stock and property insurance, plus workers compensation once you hire
• Check your state's rules for forklift and crane licences, and manual handling of heavy slabs
• Stock tied up in slabs that don't sell, so start with a focused range
• If you import directly, check customs, biosecurity and freight costs
• Check council zoning and approvals for a stone yard or showroom
• GST registration once turnover reaches the threshold

Startup costs are typically around $40,000 to $150,000, depending on your premises, opening stock and handling equipment. These are estimates only, so get quotes for your unit or yard and your first stock order.

Monthly revenue is typically around $15,000 to $75,000, depending on your range, location and how many trade accounts you build. This is revenue before stock and running costs, and these figures are estimates only.

Check your state's rules for forklift and crane licences and manual handling of heavy slabs. Also check council zoning and approvals, insurance and workers compensation, customs, biosecurity and freight if you import, and GST registration.