Trade yarn and thread wholesaler

Independent craft and yarn shops, weaving and textile studios, schools, costume and embroidery businesses, and larger makers who buy regularly.

You sell at wholesale prices with a margin over your buying cost. Repeat orders from retailers and studios, plus any exclusive brand agreements, give you steadier income than one-off sales.

• Sourcing and negotiating with suppliers
• Managing stock and cash flow
• Business-to-business selling
• Basic import and freight knowledge

• You need an ABN and GST registration once turnover reaches the threshold, and check the rules on importing goods
• Check zoning and lease terms with your local council and landlord before signing for a unit
• Stock is a big upfront cost, and slow-moving colours and lines can tie up cash
• Retailers often want credit terms, so check how you will handle late payers
• Exchange rates and shipping costs can change your margins quickly
• Public liability, product liability and stock insurance are worth checking, plus workers compensation if you hire

Startup costs are typically around $25,000 to $100,000, depending on how much stock you hold, whether you import, and the unit you rent. Stock is the biggest upfront cost, so these figures are estimates that vary with your range.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on your range, your customer base and how often shops and studios reorder. These are estimates only, and slow-moving lines can tie up cash.

Check ABN and GST registration, plus the rules on importing goods. Check zoning and lease terms with your council and landlord before signing for a unit. Also check credit terms for retailers, exchange rate and shipping risk, and insurance including workers compensation if you hire.