Bag wholesaler with a small warehouse

Retailers, food outlets, cleaning companies, councils, schools, event organisers and other businesses that need bags in bulk, often on a repeat schedule.

You buy in bulk, sometimes importing in containers or buying direct from manufacturers, and sell by the carton or pallet at a markup. Holding stock lets you win customers who need quick delivery and offer account terms.

• Selling to trade customers
• Managing stock, cash flow and suppliers
• Driving and safe manual handling

• Plastic bag bans differ by state and territory, so check which products you can stock and sell where your customers are
• Stock ties up cash, and slow-moving lines or unpaid trade accounts can hurt, so think about credit terms carefully
• Check council zoning and lease terms for warehouse use, plus fire safety rules for storing plastics
• Using a forklift may need a high risk work licence, so check your state's workplace safety regulator
• Public liability, product liability and stock insurance are worth checking, and workers compensation applies once you hire
• If you import, check customs, labelling and product standards requirements

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on how much stock you buy, your unit lease, vehicle and insurance. Stock ties up cash, so check how much working capital you would need.

Monthly revenue is typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on your customer base, product range and pricing. These are estimates, not guarantees, and the idea suits about 30 or more hours a week.

Check which bag types you can stock and sell, as plastic bag bans differ by state and territory. Check council zoning, lease terms and fire safety rules for storing plastics, and whether forklift use needs a high risk work licence.