Paintball shop near a local field

Regular players, newcomers buying their first kit, local paintball sites, and groups planning events.

Retail margins on gear and paint, plus fees for air fills, servicing and repairs, and supply deals with local fields.

• Knowledge of paintball equipment
• Retail and stock management
• Friendly advice for beginners and regulars

• Paintball markers may need a firearms or weapons licence or dealer approval in some states, so check with your state's licensing authority first
• Rules on storing and displaying markers can vary, so check requirements for your premises
• Air fills and compressed gas cylinders need safe handling and tested cylinders
• Public liability, stock and theft insurance
• Check zoning and your lease with the local council
• A niche market, so keep stock levels modest at first

Startup costs are typically around $25,000 to $100,000, depending on your premises, fit-out and stock levels. These are estimates only. It's a niche market, so keep stock modest at first and check lease terms carefully.

Monthly revenue is typically around $5,000 to $20,000, depending on your location, nearby fields, range and services such as air fills. You should expect at least around 35 hours a week. These are estimates, not guarantees.

Check with your state's licensing authority whether markers need a firearms or weapons licence or dealer approval. Also check storage and display rules, safe handling of gas cylinders, insurance, and zoning and lease terms with your council.