Sheepskin and wool trade supplier with a unit

Homewares and gift shops, interior designers and stylists, online retailers and hospitality businesses fitting out spaces.

Wholesale margin on bulk orders, plus larger custom or project orders for designers. Holding stock lets you win repeat orders and quick re-supply.

• Buying and stock management
• Building trade relationships
• Pricing and cash flow planning
• Packing and dispatch

• Check the lease terms and whether the unit's zoning allows trade or warehouse use
• Public liability and stock insurance, including fire and water damage
• Cash tied up in stock, order carefully until you know what sells
• Check GST registration once turnover reaches the threshold
• If you import goods, check customs, labelling and biosecurity rules for animal products with the Department of Agriculture

Startup costs are typically around $10,000 to $40,000, depending on the size of your unit, how much stock you buy and your packing setup. Stock ties up cash, so order carefully until you know what sells.

Monthly revenue is typically around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on your range, how many trade customers you win and how often they reorder. That is revenue before stock, rent and other costs.

Check the lease terms and whether the unit's zoning allows trade or warehouse use. Also check public liability and stock insurance, GST registration once turnover reaches the threshold, and customs, labelling and biosecurity rules if you import animal products.