Local workwear and safety gear shop

Open a small shop selling boots, hi-vis and safety gear to tradies and local employers.

Startup costA$40k to A$120k
Monthly revenueA$15k to A$60k
Time needed40+ h/week
First incomeMonths
  • A$40k-120k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises

Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.

What it is

A small shop stocking work boots, hi-vis shirts, pants, jackets, gloves, glasses and other safety gear. Customers can try things on and get advice on the spot.

Your first three steps

  1. Visit trade areas and nearby workwear shops to see what sells, what is missing and what prices are charged
  2. Contact a few wholesalers and brands to compare minimum orders, trade prices and any dealer terms
  3. Price up a lease near trade suppliers, industrial estates or a busy town centre, and work out your break-even sales
Who pays

Tradies, farmers, factory and warehouse staff, and local businesses kitting out their crews.

How it makes money

You buy from suppliers and sell at a mark-up. Extra income can come from embroidery or logo printing arrangements and regular account customers.

Skills that help
  • Customer service and product knowledge
  • Stock buying and managing
  • Basic bookkeeping
Watch out for
  • Shop lease terms and fit-out costs, so have a lawyer check the lease
  • Stock tied up in sizes and styles that do not sell
  • Check that safety footwear and hi-vis you sell meet the relevant Australian Standards
  • Australian Consumer Law rules on refunds and returns
  • Public liability and stock/contents insurance
  • Whether you need to register for GST, and any council or state requirements for your premises

Deep research report · Australia

Everything you need to start: local workwear and safety gear shop

Researched with live web search for Australia: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.

  • Startup costs with real prices
  • Licences, registration and rules
  • Pricing: what others charge
  • Break-even example
  • Finding your first customers
  • 30-day launch plan
  • Risks and how to reduce them
Ready in about 2 minutes · one-off payment, tax included

See a full sample report

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to open a workwear shop in Australia?

Startup costs are typically around $40,000 to $120,000, depending on your shop lease, fit-out and how much stock you buy. These are estimates only, and it is worth having a lawyer check the lease terms before you sign.

How much revenue can a workwear and safety gear shop make?

Monthly revenue is typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on your location, the range you stock and how many tradies and local employers you attract. Remember that stock tied up in sizes and styles that do not sell can hold you back.

What rules should I check before selling safety gear in Australia?

Check that safety footwear and hi-vis you sell meet the relevant Australian Standards, plus Australian Consumer Law rules on refunds and returns. Also check whether you need to register for GST, any council or state requirements for your premises, and your insurance.

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