Safe and security showroom

Homeowners, small businesses, shooters and farmers, jewellers, and offices and cafes that handle cash.

Margin on safes and accessories, installation and delivery fees, and service work such as key cutting, combination changes and repairs.

• Sales and customer service
• Technical knowledge of safe ratings and locks
• Managing stock and suppliers
• Safe manual handling

• Public liability and stock or contents insurance, plus workers compensation once you hire
• Locksmith or security licensing for key and lock work varies by state, so check your state's licensing body
• Firearm safe storage rules differ by state and territory, so check with your state firearms authority before advising customers
• Heavy stock that needs a trolley, hoist or a second person, so plan for manual handling safety
• Money tied up in slow-moving stock, so start with a small range

Startup costs are typically around $30,000 to $120,000 as an estimate, depending on your premises, fit-out and how much stock you buy. Heavy stock can tie up money in slow sellers, so starting with a small range is worth considering.

Monthly revenue is typically around $10,000 to $50,000 as an estimate, depending on your location, range and how much delivery and installation you offer. Revenue is not profit, as stock and premises costs come out of it.

Check with your state's licensing body, as locksmith or security licensing for key and lock work varies by state. Also check with your state firearms authority about safe storage rules before advising customers on gun safes.