Online metal and fixings supplier for small workshops

Small fabrication shops, welders, farm and machinery repairers, makers and hobby engineers who find ordering from large suppliers slow or awkward for small orders.

A margin on each item or order, plus delivery or cutting fees. Repeat accounts for regular customers bring steadier income.

• Knowing metal grades, sizes and fixings
• Building supplier and customer relationships
• Basic online selling and quoting
• Careful order handling

• Register an ABN, and check when you need to register for GST
• Public liability and product liability insurance, check the cover for goods you sell
• Heavy and long items can have high freight costs and damage risks, so check carrier terms
• Wrong grades or sizes can be costly, so agree returns terms with your suppliers
• Check with your local council whether home-based business rules apply to you

Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your website, supplier arrangements and any stock you hold. These are estimates only, so get supplier quotes before you commit.

Check ABN registration and when you need GST registration, plus public liability and product liability cover for goods you sell. Also check carrier terms for heavy or long items, returns terms with suppliers, and council home-based business rules.

Monthly revenue is typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on your customer base, product range and order sizes. Expect at least about 10 hours a week. These are estimates, not guarantees.