Woodworking supplies shopfront

Local joiners, cabinet makers, hobbyists, men's sheds, schools and people tackling home projects.

Retail markup on products sold over the counter, plus trade accounts for regular workshop customers. Workshops, classes and sharpening services can add extra income.

• Strong woodworking product knowledge
• Stock buying and control
• Customer service and advice
• Basic bookkeeping

• Commercial lease terms, rent and fit-out costs, get advice before signing
• Public liability and stock or contents insurance
• Storage and sale of flammable finishes and solvents, check council and state rules
• Workers compensation insurance and award wages once you hire staff
• GST registration once your turnover reaches the threshold
• Large stock holding can strain cash flow

Estimates put startup costs at typically around $40,000 to $150,000, depending on rent, fit-out and how much stock you hold. Large stock holdings can strain cash flow, so it's worth planning your opening range carefully.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue of typically around $10,000 to $50,000, depending on location, range and how well you serve local joiners, hobbyists and schools. That is revenue, not profit. Full-time running typically means at least around 40 hours a week.

Check commercial lease terms, rent and fit-out costs, and get advice before signing. Also check public liability and stock insurance, council and state rules on storing and selling flammable finishes and solvents, GST registration, and workers compensation and award wages once you hire staff.