Radiator shop with refurbishment workshop
Run a small shop selling radiators and fittings, and refurbish or supply replacement radiators for locals and tradies.
- A$25k-80k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
A small unit with a trade counter and workshop. You sell new radiators, towel rails and fittings, and clean, strip, repaint and pressure test old radiators, including cast iron ones, for reuse.
Your first three steps
- Find a small unit or shed in an area with older homes or lots of renovating, and check the council's zoning allows it
- Set up supplier accounts and get quotes for a stripping and painting setup, plus a pressure test rig
- Visit local plumbers and builders with a trade price list and offer a quick refurbishment turnaround
Who pays
Homeowners, landlords, renovators and heating installers, who may buy from you and refer their customers.
How it makes money
Product margin on sales, plus fees for refurbishing, repainting and testing radiators. Regular trade accounts give steadier work.
Skills that help
- Hands-on workshop skills
- Product knowledge and sizing advice
- Customer service and stock control
Watch out for
- Public liability insurance and product liability cover for what you sell and refurbish
- Old paint on radiators may contain lead, so check safe removal, disposal and workplace safety rules with your state's regulator
- Installation and connection generally need a licensed plumber, so check your state's licensing body before offering this
- Check council zoning, signage and environmental rules for paint and waste handling
- Rent and stock costs are fixed, and demand varies with climate and season
Deep research report · Australia
Everything you need to start: radiator shop with refurbishment workshop
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
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to open a radiator shop and workshop in Australia?
Startup costs are typically estimated at around $25,000 to $80,000, depending on rent, stock, workshop equipment and fit-out. Rent and stock costs are fixed, and demand varies with climate and season, so plan your cash flow carefully.
How much can a radiator shop with a refurbishment workshop earn?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $10,000 to $40,000, depending on your location, stock range, how many radiators you refurbish and the trade customers you attract. Estimates suggest around 35 hours a week at minimum.
What rules and risks should I check before refurbishing radiators?
Check safe removal and disposal of old paint that may contain lead with your state's regulator. Also check public and product liability insurance, council zoning, signage and waste rules, and your state's licensing body before offering installation.
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