Trade upvc window supplier with a small showroom

Local installers and builders on regular orders, plus homeowners who want to see and handle products before buying.

Margin on products sold, with trade accounts for repeat customers. Extras such as hardware, sealants and delivery add to each order.

• Sales and customer service
• Technical product knowledge
• Managing stock and suppliers
• Basic bookkeeping and credit control

• Lease commitments, stock costs and slow-paying trade accounts can strain cash flow
• Products need to meet Australian standards and energy ratings, and bushfire areas have extra requirements, so check with suppliers and your state building authority
• Public liability, product liability and stock insurance, plus workers compensation once you hire staff
• Council approval may be needed for showroom use and signage, so check before signing a lease
• Plan for GST registration and keeping supplier warranty documents for customers

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $40,000 to $150,000, depending on your unit and lease, the amount of stock you hold, and how you fit out the showroom. Stock costs and lease commitments are the main things to plan for.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $20,000 to $90,000, depending on how many regular installers and builders you supply, your stock range and how many homeowners visit. Slow-paying trade accounts can strain cash flow, so plan for that.

Check that products meet Australian standards and energy ratings, and that bushfire areas have extra requirements, with your suppliers and state building authority. Also check council approval for showroom use and signage before signing a lease, and plan for insurance and GST registration.