Online rubber sheet, seal and hose supplier

Workshops, farms, mechanics, small manufacturers, maintenance contractors and trade buyers who need parts quickly.

Markup on the wholesale price, with extra margin on cut-to-size pieces and bundled kits. Repeat orders from regular trade accounts make up most sales.

• Reading product specs and sizes
• Building supplier relationships
• Online selling and customer service
• Basic bookkeeping and stock tracking

• Get an ABN and check when you need to register for GST
• Public liability and product liability insurance, as a wrong product can cause damage or injury
• Check that products meet any Australian Standards required for the use, especially hoses and seals for gas, fuel or water
• Check council rules if you store stock at home
• Cash flow, as stock ties up money and trade buyers may expect payment terms

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on how much stock you buy, whether you use a storage unit and how much your suppliers ship direct. Stock can tie up money, so start with a focused range.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your range, trade customers and pricing. The estimate assumes at least 10 hours a week. Trade buyers may expect payment terms, which can affect cash flow.

Check whether products meet any Australian Standards required for their use, especially hoses and seals for gas, fuel or water. Also check public liability and product liability insurance, ABN and GST registration, and council rules for storing stock at home.