Home-Based wood heater dealer

Homeowners and renovators who want advice on the right heater without paying for a big showroom, and small builders who need a heater supplier.

Margin on each heater and accessory sold, plus referral fees or a margin on installation packages with your partner fitters.

• Sales and clear advice
• Basic website and online listings
• Organising orders, deliveries and installer bookings

• Running a business from home may need council approval, so check with your local council
• Rules on wood heater installs and emissions vary by state, territory and council. Check what is allowed in the areas you serve
• Installation usually needs a licensed tradesperson. Check your state's licensing body so you do not arrange unlicensed work
• Public liability and product liability insurance, plus Australian Consumer Law warranty obligations
• Freight and handling of heavy heaters, and who is responsible if one is damaged in transit
• Without a showroom, customers may find it harder to trust you, so lean on reviews and photos of finished installs

Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how much stock you order, how you build your website and which insurance you choose. These are estimates only, so price your own setup before committing.

Monthly revenue is typically around $2,000 to $15,000, depending on how many homes you advise, which heaters you sell and whether you win builder work. This is revenue, not take-home pay, so allow for stock, freight and installer costs.

Check whether your local council needs to approve a home business. Rules on installs and emissions vary by state, territory and council. Installation usually needs a licensed tradesperson, so check your state's licensing body. Also check insurance and Australian Consumer Law warranty obligations.