Local solar hot water trade supply counter
Run a small warehouse and trade counter stocking solar hot water systems and parts for local installers and homeowners.
- A$30k-120k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
A small unit or shopfront with stock of common systems, tanks, collectors, valves and spare parts. Installers can pick up the same day, and you can also sell to householders and deliver in your area.
Your first three steps
- Talk to local installers about what they struggle to get quickly, and sign up with one or two wholesalers or manufacturers for distribution terms
- Price up a small unit or warehouse in a trade area, plus shelving, a ute or van and a starter stock list
- Open trade accounts with a handful of local installers and promote same-day pickup
Who pays
Local plumbers, solar installers and builders, plus householders replacing or upgrading hot water systems.
How it makes money
Margin on products sold, plus delivery fees. Trade accounts with regular installers give steady repeat orders, and fast availability is what keeps them coming back.
Skills that help
- Product knowledge and technical understanding
- Sales and building trade relationships
- Stock control and ordering
- Customer service at the counter and by phone
Watch out for
- Check that stocked products meet Australian standards and have the plumbing product certification your state requires
- Check Clean Energy Regulator listing requirements for products eligible for STCs
- Tied-up cash in stock, so start with fast-moving lines
- Check zoning and council approval for your premises and signage
- Public liability and product liability insurance, plus workers compensation once you hire
- Safe handling of heavy tanks and collectors, and manual handling rules
- Warranty and returns under Australian Consumer Law, and offering credit to trade customers safely
Deep research report · Australia
Everything you need to start: local solar hot water trade supply counter
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 a solar hot water trade supply counter?
Startup costs are typically around $30,000 to $120,000, depending on your premises and how much stock you hold. These are estimates only, so your own costs will vary. Starting with fast-moving lines can limit cash tied up in stock.
How much revenue can a solar hot water trade supplier make?
Monthly revenue is typically around $15,000 to $70,000, depending on your stock range, location and trade customers. These are estimates, so actual results will vary with your sales and local demand.
What rules should I check before supplying solar hot water products?
Check that stocked products meet Australian standards and the plumbing product certification your state requires, plus Clean Energy Regulator listing for STC eligibility. Also check zoning and council approval for premises and signage, insurance, manual handling rules, and warranty and returns under Australian Consumer Law.
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