Solo shopfitting subcontractor
Install counters, shelving and fixtures for shopfitting firms and builders on a job-by-job basis.
- A$3k-12k
- Part-time
- Out and about
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
Installing shop fixtures, counters, shelving, wall panels and display units from supplied plans, working as a skilled subcontractor rather than designing whole fit-outs.
Your first three steps
- Register for an ABN and check what licence or registration your state requires for the work you plan to do
- Get public liability insurance and a solid set of power tools and hand tools
- Contact local shopfitting firms and commercial builders to offer your services and ask about upcoming fit-outs
Who pays
Shopfitting companies, building contractors and retail chains that need extra installers for fit-outs and refurbishments.
How it makes money
Day rate or fixed price per job or per fixture installed, with repeat work from contractors who find you reliable.
Skills that help
- Carpentry or joinery experience
- Reading plans and measuring accurately
- Reliable and good with deadlines
Watch out for
- Check your state's licensing body to see if your work needs a builder or carpentry licence
- Public liability insurance, and whether your contractors require specific cover levels
- Site safety: many commercial sites require a White Card (construction induction)
- Sham contracting rules, check whether you are genuinely an independent contractor
- Payment terms can be slow, so keep records and chase invoices
Deep research report · Australia
Everything you need to start: solo shopfitting subcontractor
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 start as a shopfitting subcontractor?
Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on the tools, vehicle and insurance you already have. Payment terms can be slow, so keep good records, chase invoices and allow some cash buffer.
Do I need a licence to work as a shopfitter in Australia?
Things to check: whether your state's licensing body requires a builder or carpentry licence for your work, the public liability cover levels contractors require, and a White Card for commercial sites. Also check sham contracting rules to confirm you are genuinely an independent contractor.
How much can a solo shopfitting subcontractor earn?
Estimates suggest monthly revenue is typically around $4,000 to $12,000, depending on how many jobs you take and your rates. Estimates also suggest at least around 25 hours a week. Carpentry or joinery experience and reliability with deadlines help.
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