Metalworking machinery agent (home-based)

Small fabricators, engineering workshops, farms with workshops, maintenance departments and training colleges.

A margin or commission on each machine and tooling sale, plus repeat sales of consumables, tooling and accessories to the same customers.

• Knowing metalworking machines and how workshops use them
• Sales and relationship building
• Quoting and organising freight

• Public liability and product liability insurance, check what your supplier's cover includes
• Imported electrical equipment must meet Australian safety requirements, check with your state electrical safety regulator and your supplier
• Customers will expect warranty, spare parts and servicing, so check what the supplier actually provides
• Australian Consumer Law guarantees can apply to business purchases, check how they affect your terms
• Home-based business may need council approval, check with your local council
• Long sales cycles and large single sales mean uneven income

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on your setup and how you work. Because you order from suppliers only when a customer buys, you hold little or no stock.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on which machines you sell and how many deals close. Sales cycles are long and single sales are large, so income can be uneven.

Check public liability and product liability insurance, including what your supplier's cover includes. Imported electrical equipment must meet Australian safety requirements, so check with your state electrical safety regulator. Also check warranty and servicing arrangements, and whether your council needs to approve a home-based business.