Local paint and decorating supplies shop

Run a neighbourhood paint shop with colour matching, brushes and advice for DIYers and tradies.

Colourful paint tins and brushes displayed on shelves in a decorating supply shop.
Startup costA$50k to A$200k
Monthly revenueA$20k to A$90k
Time needed40+ h/week
First incomeMonths
  • A$50k-200k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises

Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.

What it is

A small shop selling paint, tinting and colour matching, plus rollers, brushes, tape, drop sheets, fillers and other decorating supplies. Friendly advice on what to use where is a big part of the offer.

Your first three steps

  1. Visit local paint shops and trade suppliers to see their prices, ranges and gaps in your area
  2. Talk to paint brands and wholesalers about supply terms, tinting machines and whether a franchise or banner group suits you
  3. Cost a lease, fit-out and opening stock, then approach local painters and builders about trade accounts
Who pays

Homeowners and renovators, painters and other tradies, landlords, property managers and small builders.

How it makes money

Margin on paint and sundries sold over the counter, plus trade accounts, delivery to job sites and add-ons like colour matching and tool hire.

Skills that help
  • Knowing paint types and surfaces
  • Customer service and advice
  • Stock control and ordering
  • Building trade relationships
Watch out for
  • Storing and handling flammable products: check your state's dangerous goods rules and council requirements
  • Public liability and stock/property insurance, plus workers compensation once you hire
  • Shop lease terms and location, since foot traffic and trade access matter
  • Large stock outlay and competition from big hardware chains and online sellers
  • Registering for an ABN and for GST once you reach the turnover threshold

Deep research report · Australia

Everything you need to start: local paint and decorating supplies shop

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 open a paint shop in Australia?

Startup costs are estimates, typically around $50,000 to $200,000, depending on your lease, fit-out, tinting equipment and the size of your opening stock. Stock is a large outlay, so plan your cash carefully.

How much revenue can a local paint shop make?

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $20,000 to $90,000, depending on location, trade customers and range. Foot traffic and trade access matter, and competition from hardware chains and online sellers can affect results.

What rules apply to running a paint shop?

Check your state's dangerous goods rules and council requirements for storing and handling flammable products. Also check insurance, including workers compensation once you hire, lease terms, and registering for an ABN and for GST once you reach the turnover threshold.

Other ways to run this business

Similar retail ideas

Photo: Carola68 on Pixabay

More ideas →