Metalworking machinery and tooling shop
Run a small showroom or yard stocking machines, tooling and consumables so workshops can see, buy and collect locally.
- A$150k-500k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
A small unit or yard in an industrial area holding display machines, popular tooling, cutting consumables and spares. You sell new machines and may also sell reconditioned or second-hand ones.
Your first three steps
- Line up supplier accounts and ask about dealer pricing, stock terms, consignment and display machine arrangements
- Price a small industrial unit near workshops and compare lease terms and zoning with your local council
- Plan a starter range of fast-selling tooling and consumables and set up a basic stock and invoicing system
Who pays
Fabricators, engineering shops, tradies, farms, schools and hobby metalworkers who want to see equipment and get parts quickly.
How it makes money
Margin on machines, plus steady repeat sales of tooling, consumables and accessories, and optional delivery or installation fees.
Skills that help
- Product knowledge of metalworking machines and tooling
- Sales and customer service
- Stock control and supplier negotiation
Watch out for
- Stock is a big cash commitment, so start with fast-moving lines and negotiate supplier terms or consignment for display machines
- Public liability, product liability and stock or contents insurance
- Check zoning and council requirements for your premises
- Moving heavy machines may need a forklift or other high risk work licence, check with your state WHS regulator
- Imported electrical equipment must meet Australian safety requirements, check with your state electrical safety regulator
- Workers compensation insurance is needed once you hire staff
Deep research report · Australia
Everything you need to start: metalworking machinery and tooling shop
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 metalworking machinery and tooling shop?
Startup costs are typically estimated at around $150,000 to $500,000, depending on your premises and how much stock you carry. Stock is a big cash commitment, so consider fast-moving lines and supplier terms or consignment for display machines.
How much revenue can a machinery shop make?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on your location, product range and customer base. The business typically needs about 35 hours a week or more to run.
What rules and licences should I check before opening a machinery shop?
Check zoning and council requirements for your premises. Moving heavy machines may need a forklift or other high risk work licence, so check with your state WHS regulator. Also check electrical safety rules for imported equipment, insurance, and workers compensation once you hire staff.
Other ways to run this business
Similar making and manufacturing ideas
Laser cutting workshop for businesses
Run a small unit with a larger laser, cutting parts and signage for local trade, design and manufacturing clients.
- A$90k-350k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Local steel yard for fabricators and builders
Stock common steel sections and plate in a small yard and sell cut lengths to local fabricators, farms and builders.
- A$130k-350k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Small-batch craft distillery
Make gin, vodka or whisky in your own small distillery and sell through a cellar door, bottle shops and online.
- A$80k-350k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Small roof truss workshop
Make timber roof trusses to order for local builders, joiners and roofers from a rented industrial unit.
- A$120k-300k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Water jet cutting workshop for local manufacturers
Run a water jet table from a small industrial unit, cutting metal, stone and composite parts for local businesses.
- A$100k-300k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Hand-blown drinking glasses studio
Run a small workshop making hand-blown glasses and tableware for hospitality venues, shops and wholesalers.
- A$80k-250k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Photo: emkanicepic on Pixabay