Point-of-Sale display maker from home

Make small-run counter and shelf displays for local shops and food makers from your garage or shed.

Startup costA$2k to A$10k
Monthly revenueA$1k to A$5k
Time needed10+ h/week
First incomeWeeks
  • A$2k-10k
  • Side hustle
  • From home

Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.

What it is

A home-based studio making small batches of point-of-sale displays, such as timber or acrylic counter stands, shelf units and cardboard display trays, for local retailers and producers.

Your first three steps

  1. Make three sample displays in different materials and photograph them in a real shop setting
  2. Work out your cost per unit including materials and time, then set a minimum order and price list
  3. Show your samples to ten local shops and producers and ask for a small paid trial order
Who pays

Local boutiques, cafes, farm gate producers, craft brands and small manufacturers who want their products to stand out in shops or at markets.

How it makes money

Price per display or per batch, with design fees for custom branding and repeat orders as clients restock.

Skills that help
  • Woodwork, or cutting and assembling light materials
  • Basic design and branding sense
  • Patience with small custom orders
Watch out for
  • Council approval for a home-based business, and rules on noise and deliveries, check with your local council
  • Public liability and product liability insurance, as a falling display could cause injury or damage
  • Dust, offcuts and power tool safety in a garage or shed
  • Lead times and pricing, because small custom runs can take longer than expected

Deep research report · Australia

Everything you need to start: point-of-sale display maker from home

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
Ready in about 2 minutes · one-off payment, tax included

See a full sample report

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start a point-of-sale display business from home?

Startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on your tools, materials, workspace setup and how you present samples to shops. Costs are lower if you already have a garage or shed and basic woodworking equipment.

How much can you earn making displays for local shops?

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how many orders you take and what you charge for custom runs. Plan for at least about 10 hours a week. Small custom orders can take longer than expected.

What should I check before making displays from a home workshop in Australia?

Check council approval for a home-based business, including rules on noise and deliveries. Also check public liability and product liability insurance in case a display causes injury or damage, and safety around dust, offcuts and power tools in your garage or shed.

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