Screen printing supply shop with trade counter

Local print shops, clothing start-ups, sports clubs, schools, artists and hobbyists who need supplies quickly.

Margin on products sold, often with trade pricing for regular customers. You can add income from custom screen making, kit sales or short beginner workshops.

• Deep knowledge of screen printing materials and problem-solving
• Customer service and building trade relationships
• Stock buying and inventory management

• Zoning and council approval for the premises, and rules for storing chemicals and solvents, check with your council and state work safety regulator
• Public liability and product liability insurance, plus contents cover for stock
• Workers compensation insurance once you hire staff (state schemes)
• Lease commitments and a large upfront stock outlay
• Slow stock that sits on shelves, and price pressure from bigger suppliers

Startup costs are typically around $30,000 to $120,000, depending on premises, fit-out and the size of your opening stock. Monthly revenue is estimated at around $15,000 to $60,000. Large upfront stock and lease commitments are key risks.

Check zoning and council approval for the premises, and rules for storing chemicals and solvents with your council and state work safety regulator. Also check public liability, product liability and contents insurance, and workers compensation once you hire staff.

The estimate is typically at least around 40 hours a week. Useful skills include deep knowledge of screen printing materials, problem-solving, customer service, building trade relationships, and stock buying and inventory management.