Online aluminium sheet and bar seller

Makers, hobbyists, model engineers, small fabricators, sign makers, van converters and tradespeople who only need a few pieces.

You sell at a mark-up over your trade buying price, plus a charge for cutting to size and delivery. Orders are small, so a tidy range and good listings matter.

• Knowing common aluminium grades and sizes
• Online selling and listings
• Organised stock and order handling

• Metal prices can move, so check how often your supplier prices change and keep a margin buffer
• Long or heavy items are costly to post, so check courier rules and pricing before you list
• Public liability and product liability insurance, plus stock cover if you store anything
• Customers may need material certificates or specific grades, so be clear about what you can supply
• Check whether you can store stock at home with your landlord, mortgage lender or council

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around £800 to £4,000, depending on how much stock you hold, your web shop or marketplace set-up and insurance. Some orders can be sent on directly to customers, which keeps stock lower.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around £600 to £3,000, depending on your range, pricing and how many customers you attract. It can start from around 8 hours a week. Metal prices can move, so keep a margin buffer.

Check public liability and product liability insurance, plus stock cover if you store anything. Long or heavy items are costly to post, so check courier rules. Also check whether you can store stock at home with your landlord, mortgage lender or council.