Surgical products wholesaler with a small stockroom

Day surgeries, specialist clinics, private hospitals and sometimes larger practices needing quick top-ups between their main supply deliveries.

Margin between your bulk purchase price and the wholesale price you charge, plus account customers who reorder regularly.

• Sales and account management
• Stock control and organisation
• Managing suppliers and delivery schedules

• TGA requirements for medical devices, including ARTG inclusion, sponsor responsibilities and recall duties: check what applies to you
• Storage conditions for sterile and temperature-sensitive products, and expiry date tracking
• Stock tied up in unsold inventory, which is the main cash risk
• Public liability, product liability and stock insurance
• Workers compensation insurance once you hire, and zoning rules for your unit, check with your state scheme and local council

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $30,000 to $120,000, depending on the unit you rent and how much stock you hold. Unsold inventory is the main cash risk, so plan your product range carefully.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $10,000 to $50,000, depending on your customer base and product range. That is revenue before stock, rent and delivery costs, and the work usually takes at least about 35 hours a week.

Check TGA requirements for medical devices, including ARTG inclusion, sponsor responsibilities and recall duties. Also check storage conditions for sterile and temperature-sensitive products, expiry tracking, insurance, zoning rules with your local council, and workers compensation once you hire.