Plastering supplies trade counter
Run a small trade yard stocking plasterboard, compounds and plastering tools for local tradies.
- A$60k-200k
- Full-time
- Own premises
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
A small unit or yard with a trade counter. You stock plasterboard, plaster, cornice, compounds, tools and fixings, and offer pick-up and local delivery.
Your first three steps
- Talk to local plasterers about what they buy, how often and what they dislike about current suppliers
- Approach manufacturers and wholesalers about supply terms and compare them with a few small-yard rates
- Look at industrial units or yards near building activity, and check zoning and council requirements
Who pays
Plasterers, builders, renovators and some keen DIYers, mostly on trade accounts.
How it makes money
Margin on the products you stock, plus delivery fees. Early-morning pick-ups and regular accounts bring repeat sales.
Skills that help
- Stock control and ordering
- Customer service for trade customers
- Safe use of forklifts and handling equipment
- Basic bookkeeping and credit control
Watch out for
- Forklift use usually needs a high risk work licence, so check your state's WHS regulator
- Public liability, property, stock and workers compensation insurance once you hire
- Check council zoning and approvals for a trade premises with heavy vehicle access
- Large stock holdings and lease commitments tie up cash, so plan your cash flow carefully
- Plasterboard needs dry, flat storage and safe stacking to avoid damage and injury
Deep research report · Australia
Everything you need to start: plastering supplies trade counter
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 plastering supplies trade counter?
Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $60,000 to $200,000, depending on premises, stock levels and equipment. Large stock holdings and lease commitments tie up cash, so plan your cash flow carefully.
Do I need a licence to run a plastering supplies yard?
Check whether forklift use needs a high risk work licence with your state's WHS regulator. Also check council zoning and approvals for a trade premises with heavy vehicle access, and insurance, including workers compensation once you hire.
How much revenue can a trade counter make and how many hours does it need?
Estimates suggest monthly revenue is typically around $30,000 to $120,000, depending on stock range, location and trade accounts. Time needed is at least around 40 hours a week, so it suits a full-time commitment.
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