Local plant and tool hire yard

Local tradies, builders, landscapers, councils' contractors and keen DIYers.

Hire rates per half day, day or week, with delivery fees, consumables like fuel and blades, and optional damage waivers.

• Equipment maintenance and servicing
• Customer service at the counter
• Managing stock, cash flow and paperwork

• Zoning and council approval for the yard and any storage of fuel or noisy plant
• Public liability, property and equipment insurance, plus workers compensation once you hire staff
• Tool inspection, safety checks and records for every item before it goes out
• Late returns, damage and unpaid accounts: use clear terms, bonds and credit checks

Estimated startup costs are typically around $30,000 to $120,000, depending on the range of tools and compact plant you stock and the yard or unit you rent. Insurance and equipment servicing are also worth budgeting for.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on your equipment range, location and how well you manage late returns, damage and unpaid accounts. The estimate assumes roughly 30 hours a week or more running the depot.

Check zoning and council approval for the yard and any storage of fuel or noisy plant. Also check public liability, property and equipment insurance, workers compensation once you hire staff, and the inspection and safety records needed for each item before it goes out.