Custom stall and display builder with installation

Retailers fitting out a shop or pop-up, brands exhibiting at trade shows, event organisers and market operators.

A quote per project covering design, materials, build and installation, plus repeat income from storage, re-installs and repairs.

• Carpentry or fabrication
• Measuring, drawing and quoting jobs
• Dealing with clients and meeting deadlines

• Budget for a rented unit with a bond, a van or ute, workshop tools (saws, dust extraction, workbenches) and first materials, which together usually cost more than people expect
• Public liability and product liability insurance, as structures must be safe for the public
• Check your state's licensing body about whether your building or shopfitting work needs a licence
• Any wiring or lighting in a stall must be done by a licensed electrician
• A white card may be needed to install in shopping centres or construction sites, so check with your state regulator
• Rent and materials costs can arrive before the client pays, so ask for deposits

Startup costs are typically around $30,000 to $90,000, depending on the rented unit and bond, a van or ute, workshop tools and first materials. These often cost more than people expect, so get quotes first.

Check with your state's licensing body whether your building or shopfitting work needs a licence. Wiring or lighting must be done by a licensed electrician. Also check whether a white card is needed for sites, and public and product liability insurance.

Revenue is typically around $3,000 to $12,000 a month, depending on how many jobs you win and their size. Rent and materials can arrive before the client pays, so ask for deposits.