Irrigation and poly pipe supply yard

Open a small trade yard selling poly pipe, irrigation fittings and PVC to farmers, landscapers and local contractors.

Stacks of copper and plastic pipes and fittings in a supply warehouse.
Startup costA$30k to A$120k
Monthly revenueA$15k to A$60k
Time needed40+ h/week
First incomeMonths
  • A$30k-120k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises

Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.

What it is

A small shopfront or yard in a rural or regional area stocking poly pipe on rolls, PVC lengths, valves, fittings and irrigation parts. You can cut to length, advise on sizing and offer pick-up or local delivery.

Your first three steps

  1. Research your area for gaps in supply, talking to local farmers, landscapers and plumbers about what they struggle to get nearby
  2. Contact manufacturers and wholesalers about trade accounts and compare pricing, minimum orders and freight costs
  3. Look at yard or small industrial unit options, and check zoning and council requirements before signing a lease
Who pays

Farmers, horticulturists, landscapers, irrigators, plumbers and homeowners with larger garden or water projects.

How it makes money

You sell stock at a margin over wholesale cost, with extra income from cutting, fittings, delivery and regular trade accounts.

Skills that help
  • Product knowledge of pipes and irrigation
  • Customer service and advice
  • Stock buying and cash flow management
  • Handling heavy or awkward materials
Watch out for
  • Council approval and zoning for a yard or retail premises, so check with your local council
  • Stock is a big upfront cost and slow sellers tie up cash
  • WaterMark certification may apply to some products, so check what you can sell for plumbing use
  • Storage rules for solvent cements and primers, and safe storage of pipe rolls and lengths
  • Public liability and product liability insurance, plus cover for stock and premises
  • Workers compensation insurance once you hire staff, through your state scheme
  • Competition from large trade chains and online sellers

Deep research report · Australia

Everything you need to start: irrigation and poly pipe supply yard

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 an irrigation and poly pipe supply yard?

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $30,000 to $120,000, depending on your premises and the range of stock you carry. Stock is a big upfront cost, and slow sellers can tie up cash, so plan your buying carefully.

How much can a pipe and irrigation supply yard earn?

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on your hours, your customer mix of farmers, landscapers and contractors, and the range you stock. These figures are revenue, before stock and running costs.

What rules should I check before opening a pipe supply yard?

Check council approval and zoning for a yard or retail premises with your local council. Also check whether WaterMark certification applies to products sold for plumbing use, storage rules for solvent cements and primers, insurance, and workers compensation once you hire.

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Photo: Kranich17 on Pixabay

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