Online abrasives supplier for trades

Builders, joiners, metal fabricators, car body repairers, small workshops and serious DIYers.

You earn the margin between your wholesale price and your selling price. Bulk packs, repeat orders and trade accounts raise the value of each order.

• Sales and customer service
• Organised stock and order handling
• Learning product grades and uses
• Basic online shop management

• Product safety: check that grinding and cutting wheels carry the right safety markings and suit the tools your customers use
• Product liability and public liability insurance, and cover for stock kept at home
• Check your landlord, mortgage lender or council if you store stock at home
• Consumer rules apply when selling to individuals, including returns and clear product information
• Large suppliers and online giants compete hard on price, so a niche and good service matter

Startup costs are typically around £1,000 to £5,000, depending on how much stock you hold and how you set up your online shop. You can keep fast sellers in stock and have the rest sent direct from your supplier.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £800 to £4,000, depending on your niche, pricing and the time you spend. These are revenue estimates, not profit. Large suppliers compete hard on price, so service and a niche matter.

Check that grinding and cutting wheels carry the right safety markings and suit your customers' tools. Check product liability and public liability insurance, cover for stock at home, your landlord or mortgage lender's rules, and consumer rules on returns and product information.