Local office supplies delivery service

Small businesses, medical and dental practices, schools, community groups, strata managers and home offices that want reliable, personal service.

You earn the margin between wholesale and your selling price on each order. Standing orders for items like paper, toner and coffee supplies give repeat income. Delivery fees or minimum order values help cover your driving time.

• Selling to local businesses
• Organised stock and ordering
• Reliable customer service
• Comfortable with driving and lifting boxes

• Check with your local council whether you need approval to run a home-based business or store stock at home
• Public liability insurance, and cover for stock and your vehicle used for business
• Thin margins against large chains and online sellers, so focus on service and convenience rather than price alone
• Register for GST once you reach the turnover threshold, and check your ABN is set up

Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on how much core stock you hold, any storage space you need and how you take orders. These are estimates only, so keep your first stock order lean and based on what your customers buy.

Monthly revenue is typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on how many regular business customers you win and the size of their orders. This is revenue, not profit, and margins can be thin. Plan for at least about 15 hours a week.

Check with your local council whether you need approval to run a home-based business or store stock at home. Also check public liability insurance, cover for stock and your business vehicle, your ABN, and when you need to register for GST.