Natural stone wholesale yard

Stone fabricators, tilers, landscapers, builders, and retailers who need smaller quantities than a full container.

You buy by the container or in bulk and sell at a margin by the slab, pallet or square metre. Trade accounts, quick availability and project supply build repeat sales.

• Sales and building trade relationships
• Stock control and handling heavy materials safely
• Knowing stone types, finishes and quality

• Cash tied up in heavy stock and a lease, so work out your break-even before signing
• Safe handling: check your state's work health and safety rules on manual handling and silica dust from stone
• A high risk work licence is generally needed to operate a forklift, so check with your state's WHS regulator
• Council zoning and approval for storage and trade sales at the premises
• Public liability, stock and property insurance, and workers compensation once you hire
• Import costs, GST on imports and biosecurity requirements if buying from overseas

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $40,000 to $150,000, depending on your lease, handling equipment and the stock you hold. Heavy stock and a lease tie up cash, so work out your break-even first.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $25,000 to $120,000, depending on your stock range, trade customers and the hours you work. This is revenue, not profit, so allow for stock, rent and wages.

Check your state's work health and safety rules on manual handling and silica dust, and whether a high risk work licence is needed for a forklift. Also check council zoning for storage and trade sales, insurance, and import and biosecurity requirements.