Local tile showroom

Homeowners doing bathroom and kitchen renovations, builders, tilers and small renovation companies.

You buy tiles at trade price and sell at a margin. Extras like adhesive, grout, sealer and tools add to each sale, and regular tradies bring repeat orders.

• Customer service and advice
• Basic maths for measuring and quantities
• Building supplier and trade relationships
• Managing stock and cash flow

• Lease terms and bond: a retail lease is a long commitment, so get it checked before signing
• Public liability and product liability insurance, plus insurance for stock and contents
• Stock tied up in slow-selling ranges, so start small and order special lines on demand
• Australian Consumer Law, including how you handle faulty tiles, shade and batch variation, and returns
• Check whether you need GST registration and what your state or council requires for signage and trading

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $40,000 to $200,000, depending on the premises, fit-out, displays and how much stock you hold. Starting small and ordering special lines on demand can limit tied-up stock.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on location, range and trade relationships. Rent, wages and stock costs come out of that revenue, so check your numbers carefully.

Have a retail lease and bond checked before signing. Also check public liability and product liability insurance, Australian Consumer Law handling of faulty tiles, shade variation and returns, GST registration, and signage and trading requirements.