Online niche tool supplier for trades

Sole-trader tradies, small building firms, hardware and rural retailers, and workshops that want a reliable supplier.

You buy at wholesale or bulk prices and sell at a margin, with better pricing for larger or repeat trade orders. Extra income comes from account customers who reorder regularly.

• Sourcing and negotiating with suppliers
• Knowing tools well enough to advise buyers
• Stock and order organisation
• Customer service

• Electrical tools and chargers must meet Australian electrical safety rules, check requirements with your state electrical regulator and the supplier
• Check Australian Consumer Law obligations for product safety, warranties and returns
• If importing, check customs, GST on imports and any import rules for your products
• Cash tied up in stock and slow-paying trade customers, check terms before offering credit
• Public liability and product liability insurance, and whether your home insurance covers stored stock
• Check council rules if you run the business from home or store stock there

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on your niche, how much stock you buy, your website and storage. Cash tied up in stock is a key cost to plan for.

Check that electrical tools and chargers meet Australian electrical safety rules with your state regulator and supplier. Check Australian Consumer Law on product safety, warranties and returns, import rules and GST if importing, council rules for home storage, and insurance.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your niche, range and how many trade customers you win. It can start at about 12 hours a week. Check payment terms before offering credit.