Plastic products wholesaler with a small warehouse

Manufacturers, hospitality and food businesses, retailers, tradies, schools and councils that need regular stock without large minimum orders.

Margin between your bulk buy price and trade selling price, with account customers on regular orders and discounts for larger volumes.

• Supplier negotiation and cost control
• Stock management and basic forklift or manual handling
• Customer service and account management
• Driving and delivery planning

• Public liability, product liability, and insurance for stock and premises
• Check zoning and council approval for the unit you plan to use
• Workers compensation insurance once you hire staff, check your state scheme
• Forklift use may require a high risk work licence, check your state work health and safety regulator
• Offering credit to trade customers carries a risk of late or unpaid invoices
• Plastic stock is bulky, so storage and fire safety need checking with your landlord and insurer

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $20,000 to $80,000, depending on the unit you rent, how much stock you carry and any delivery or handling equipment you need. Treat this as a rough guide and get your own quotes.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on your product range, your customer mix and how many trade accounts you win. That is revenue, not profit, so allow for stock, rent, fuel and wages.

Things to check include public liability, product liability and stock and premises insurance, plus zoning and council approval for your unit. Forklift use may need a high risk work licence, so check with your state work health and safety regulator. Check workers compensation once you hire staff.