Natural stone exporter with a small stock yard

Overseas distributors, stonemasons and builders who want regular supply, smaller mixed loads or specific grades and finishes.

You sell at a mark-up on what you paid for the stone, with extra for sorting, grading, packing and mixed loads. Repeat customers help spread the cost of the yard.

• Knowing stone types, grades and finishes
• Negotiating and building supplier relationships
• Managing stock, packing and shipping paperwork

• Cash tied up in stock that may sit unsold for months
• Heavy lifting and machinery: check workplace health and safety rules and forklift licensing in your state
• Silica dust risks when cutting or handling stone, check your state's safety regulator
• Council zoning and approval for a yard or storage site
• Public liability, stock and cargo insurance, plus workers compensation once you hire
• Payment risk, export paperwork and destination country import rules

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $30,000 to $120,000, depending on yard rent, how much stone you buy, equipment and insurance. Cash tied up in stock that may sit unsold for months is worth planning for.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $10,000 to $50,000, depending on your stock range, order sizes and how quickly you sell. That is revenue, not profit, so allow for rent, stock and freight costs.

Check workplace health and safety rules and forklift licensing in your state, silica dust risks with your state's safety regulator, and council zoning and approval for a yard. Also check insurance, export paperwork and destination country import rules.