Stone yard and showroom business

Builders, landscapers, stonemasons, designers and homeowners wanting to see and choose stone in person.

You buy in bulk and sell at a markup by the square metre, slab or tonne. Delivery fees, cutting or sealing add-ons and trade accounts add further income.

• Knowledge of natural stone and its uses
• Stock control and buying
• Safe heavy lifting and loading
• Customer service and trade sales

• Large upfront stock costs and slow-selling lines that tie up cash
• Work health and safety for heavy slabs, racking and forklifts. Check your state's WHS regulator and high risk work licence rules
• Silica dust if you cut or work stone. Check current state rules and safe work practices, including any restrictions that apply to engineered stone, which is different from natural stone
• Public liability and product liability insurance, plus insurance for stock and goods in transit
• Zoning and council approval for the yard, signage and deliveries
• Workers compensation insurance once you hire staff. Check your state scheme
• Import rules, ethical sourcing and quality documents if you buy from overseas

Startup costs are typically around $60,000 to $250,000, depending on your premises, how much stock you hold, and racking and equipment. Large upfront stock can tie up cash, so treat this as an estimate and plan your buying carefully.

Monthly revenue is typically around $30,000 to $150,000, depending on your stock range, location and how many trade customers you win. These are estimates only, and revenue is not the same as profit after stock and rent.

Check work health and safety for heavy slabs, racking and forklifts, including your state regulator and high risk work licence rules. Also check silica dust rules, insurance, council zoning approval, workers compensation once you hire staff, and import rules if buying overseas.