Topsoil and landscape supply yard

Landscapers, builders, gardeners, councils and homeowners who come to the yard or order delivery.

You sell by the cubic metre or tonne, with extra for custom mixes, loading and delivery. Regular trade accounts give steady income.

• Operating a loader or machinery
• Managing stock and suppliers
• Trade sales and customer service

• Council development approval, zoning and neighbour complaints about dust, noise and trucks
• EPA rules on stockpiles, stormwater runoff and the source of recycled or imported soil, which vary by state
• Workplace health and safety around machinery, plus workers compensation insurance once you hire
• Public liability insurance and checking soil for contamination or weeds before selling
• Large upfront costs and slow periods in wet weather or downturns in building

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $60,000 to $250,000, depending on the land or lease, and equipment such as a loader and screener. Treat this as an estimate and price your own setup carefully.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on your stock range, trade customers and whether you deliver. Wet weather and building downturns can slow sales, so plan for quiet periods.

Check council development approval, zoning and likely neighbour complaints about dust, noise and trucks. Also check EPA rules on stockpiles, stormwater and soil sources, workplace safety around machinery, and testing soil for contamination or weeds.