Local plastic products stockist with a small unit

Local food businesses, trades, farms, manufacturers, cleaning companies and workshops that buy plastic items for their own work.

Margin on goods sold, plus delivery charges. Trade accounts with regular customers bring repeat orders, and local delivery is a selling point against larger suppliers.

• Stock control and ordering
• Selling to trade customers
• Driving and handling goods

• Industrial unit lease terms and zoning, check with your local council
• Public liability, product liability and stock insurance
• Forklift or other high-risk work licences if you use them, check your state's regulator
• Money tied up in unsold stock, so start with a small range
• Product standards for food-contact and plumbing items, check before selling
• Workers compensation once you hire staff, through your state scheme

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on the unit and the range of stock you buy. Money can get tied up in unsold stock, so starting with a small range may help.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on your range, location and how many trade customers you win. This is revenue before costs such as rent and stock. Plan for at least about 30 hours a week.

Check industrial unit lease terms and zoning with your local council, and insurance for public liability, product liability and stock. Also check forklift or other high-risk work licences with your state regulator, product standards for food-contact and plumbing items, and workers compensation.