Office accessories supplier with a small unit

Hold a wider range in a small warehouse unit and supply offices, shops and resellers with regular bulk deliveries.

Boxes of desk accessories and stationery stacked in a supplier's warehouse.
Startup costA$15k to A$60k
Monthly revenueA$8k to A$40k
Time needed30+ h/week
First incomeMonths
  • A$15k-60k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises

Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.

What it is

A wholesale supplier with a rented storage unit or small warehouse. You carry a broad range of desk accessories and stationery, take regular orders from businesses and deliver locally or send by courier.

Your first three steps

  1. Work out a core range and compare trade prices from local distributors and importers
  2. Get quotes for a small industrial unit or storage space near good transport links and check the lease terms
  3. Approach local offices, schools and shops with a catalogue and an offer for an account with delivery
Who pays

Offices, schools, retailers, resellers and facilities managers who want one supplier for regular top-ups.

How it makes money

Margin on goods sold in bulk, plus repeat standing orders. Larger volumes and quick local delivery let you win accounts from bigger suppliers.

Skills that help
  • Business-to-business sales
  • Stock control and ordering
  • Managing suppliers and deliveries
  • Handling invoices and payment terms
Watch out for
  • Check the lease, zoning and council rules for the unit you plan to use
  • Public liability and stock or contents insurance, plus workers compensation if you hire (state schemes)
  • You need an ABN, and check when GST registration applies to your turnover
  • Check customs, GST and product safety rules if you import
  • Unpaid invoices and slow-moving stock can tie up cash, so set credit limits
  • Check any vehicle and licence needs for your own deliveries

Deep research report · Australia

Everything you need to start: office accessories supplier with a small unit

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
Ready in about 2 minutes · one-off payment, tax included

See a full sample report

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start an office accessories supply business?

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on the unit, stock range and any vehicle needs. Check the lease, zoning and council rules for the unit before committing.

What rules and insurance should I check before renting a unit?

Check the lease, zoning and council rules for your unit, plus public liability and stock insurance, and workers compensation if you hire. Get an ABN, check when GST applies, check customs and product safety rules if you import, and any vehicle and licence needs.

How much can an office accessories supplier make per month?

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on your range and how many regular business customers you serve. Unpaid invoices and slow-moving stock can tie up cash, so set credit limits. Expect at least 30 hours a week.

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