Local aluminium frames stockist with a small unit

Glaziers, builders, fabricators and shopfitters who need frames at short notice and cannot wait for factory lead times.

You buy in bulk at better prices and sell at a margin, with extra income from delivery charges and fast-turnaround orders.

• Stock control and ordering
• Trade sales and customer service
• Safe handling of long, awkward items

• Check the planning use class and lease terms for any unit, and business rates
• Public liability, product liability, buildings and contents, and goods in transit insurance
• Slow-moving stock ties up cash, so start with a small range of fast sellers
• Check which product standards and markings apply to the frames you sell and keep supplier documentation
• Manual handling of long frames and a suitable vehicle, check your insurance covers deliveries
• Trade customers often ask for credit, so decide your terms and how you will chase late payments

Startup costs are typically around £15,000 to £60,000, depending on your unit, how much stock you hold, your vehicle and your insurance. Treat this as an estimate and cost your own plan, starting with fast sellers.

Monthly revenue is typically around £10,000 to £50,000, depending on your range, how many trade customers you serve and your delivery area. That is revenue before stock, rent and running costs.

Check the planning use class, lease terms and business rates for any unit, plus which product standards and markings apply. Also check your insurance covers stock, premises and deliveries, manual handling needs, and your credit terms for trade customers.