Niche plastic containers and fittings reseller

Small businesses such as cafes, caterers, market stallholders, cosmetics makers, farms, landscapers and workshops.

You earn the margin between wholesale and your price to the business. Regular repeat orders and bulk deals with a few steady customers are the core of the income.

• Selling to businesses
• Organised with orders and stock
• Comparing suppliers and prices

• Food-contact plastics: check the product is suitable for food use and what your customers need to know
• Plumbing and irrigation fittings may need specific certification such as WaterMark, check before selling
• Home storage of stock: check council rules for home-based businesses
• Public liability and product liability insurance
• Thin margins if you are undercut by big suppliers, so stay in a niche
• Late-paying business customers, consider upfront payment for new accounts

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $500 to $5,000, depending on your niche and how much stock you hold. Ordering from wholesalers only after a customer orders can keep the upfront spend towards the lower end.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $500 to $5,000, depending on your niche and how many business customers you win. This is revenue, not profit. Expect to spend at least about 8 hours a week, and watch for thin margins.

Check that food-contact plastics are suitable for food use, and whether plumbing or irrigation fittings need certification such as WaterMark. Also check council rules for storing stock at home, and public liability and product liability insurance.