Packing supplies shop with trade accounts
Open a small shopfront or unit selling packing supplies to movers walking in, plus regular trade accounts for removalists.
- A$15k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
A small retail shop or showroom-warehouse selling boxes, tape, wrap, bubble wrap, furniture covers and moving kits. Walk-in customers buy on the day, while removal firms and agents order in bulk.
Your first three steps
- Look for a low-rent unit in an industrial or light commercial area near removalists, storage centres or busy suburbs
- Set up supplier accounts with at least two wholesalers and plan your starting range and shelf layout
- Visit local removal firms and agents to offer trade accounts and delivery before you open
Who pays
Households moving, renters, small removal companies, storage facilities and real estate agents.
How it makes money
Retail mark-up on packing items to the public, lower-margin bulk sales to trade customers, plus add-ons like box delivery and buy-back or resale of used boxes.
Skills that help
- Retail and stock control
- Negotiating with suppliers
- Customer service
- Building trade relationships
Watch out for
- Lease terms and rent, check them carefully before signing
- Check with your local council about zoning and any approvals for your premises and signage
- Public liability and contents or stock insurance
- Workers compensation insurance once you hire staff (state schemes differ)
- Seasonal demand: moving peaks around school holidays, end of lease and end of financial year
- Register for an ABN, and check when you need to register for GST
Deep research report · Australia
Everything you need to start: packing supplies shop with trade accounts
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
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to open a packing supplies shop?
Startup costs are typically estimated at around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on your premises, stock levels and setup. Check lease terms and rent carefully before you sign.
How much can a packing supplies shop earn?
Estimates suggest monthly revenue of around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on location, walk-in trade and trade accounts. Demand can peak around school holidays, end of lease and end of financial year, so income may vary.
What rules should I check before opening a packing supplies shop?
Check lease terms, local council zoning and any approvals for your premises and signage. Also check public liability and stock insurance, workers compensation once you hire staff (state schemes differ), ABN registration and when to register for GST.
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