Local plywood and board trade yard

Local builders, carpenters, cabinet makers and shopfitters, plus renovators and DIY customers who want advice and cut sheets.

Margin on each sheet sold, plus fees for cutting, edging and delivery. Trade accounts and regular joinery customers provide steady volume.

• Knowledge of board types and uses
• Stock control and buying
• Customer service and trade advice
• Safe use of forklifts or panel saws (with training)
• Basic bookkeeping

• Lease terms and zoning: check with your local council that the site can be used for building supplies and customer visits
• Public liability, property and stock insurance, and workers compensation once you hire
• Workplace health and safety for heavy sheets, forklifts and saws, check your state regulator's requirements and training
• Dust and noise from cutting, which may need controls under local rules
• Tied-up cash in stock and competition from large hardware chains on price

Startup costs are typically around $30,000 to $150,000, depending on your premises, racking, equipment and opening stock. These are estimates only. Stock ties up cash, and large hardware chains compete on price.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $10,000 to $50,000, depending on location, range and whether you offer cutting, edging or delivery. That is revenue, not profit, and stock costs take a large share.

Check lease terms and zoning with your local council, plus insurance such as public liability, property and stock cover. Also check your state regulator's workplace health and safety requirements for heavy sheets, forklifts and saws, and any dust or noise controls.