Timber framing supply, delivered by ute

Small builders, carpenters, joiners, renovators and owner-builders who want reliable delivery and a single contact for their framing materials.

You add a margin to the wholesale price of each order and charge a delivery fee. Repeat orders from a handful of regular builders matter more than one-off sales.

• Knowing framing timber sizes, grades and treatments
• Reading plans and cutting lists
• Good with numbers and quoting
• Reliable and on time

• Structural timber must be the right stress grade and treatment for the job, so check the relevant Australian Standards and your state's building rules
• Margins can be thin, so check wholesale price changes and any payment terms before you agree fixed quotes
• Public liability, goods in transit and vehicle insurance, and whether your ute or trailer is rated for the loads
• Safe loading and load restraint, plus any heavy vehicle licence needed if you use a larger truck, so check with your state road authority
• Council approval may be needed for a home-based business, especially if timber is stored at home

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on your vehicle or trailer, insurance and how you set up trade accounts. Treat these as estimates and check supplier terms before committing.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on order volume and your customers. Margins can be thin, so check wholesale price changes and payment terms before agreeing fixed quotes. The estimates assume at least about 15 hours a week.

Check that structural timber has the right stress grade and treatment, using the relevant Australian Standards and your state's building rules. Also check insurance, vehicle load ratings, load restraint, any heavy vehicle licence with your state road authority, and council approval for home-based storage.