White goods trade wholesaler from a small unit

Independent appliance retailers, landlords and letting agents, property developers, builders and kitchen fitters.

You earn the margin between bulk buying prices and your trade prices, often with extra from delivery charges. Larger, repeat orders from a few accounts keep stock moving.

• Buying and negotiating
• Stock control
• Customer service with trade buyers
• Handling heavy goods safely

• Check product safety and marking rules, and your obligations under the WEEE regulations
• Stock is a big upfront cost and can lose value if models are replaced, so start with fast-selling lines
• Check insurance for stock, public liability, goods in transit and employer's liability if you hire
• Heavy items bring manual handling and vehicle risks, so check training and equipment needs
• Check the unit's lease terms, permitted use and fire safety requirements
• Credit risk from trade customers, so check terms and consider credit checks
• Check when you would need to register for VAT

Startup costs are typically around £15,000 to £60,000, depending on the unit, how much stock you buy and your handling equipment. These are estimates, and starting with fast-selling lines can reduce the risk of unsold stock.

Monthly revenue is typically around £10,000 to £50,000, depending on stock levels, the models you carry and your trade customer base. These are estimates, and you would usually need at least around 30 hours a week.

Check product safety and marking rules and your WEEE obligations. Also check the unit's lease terms, permitted use and fire safety requirements, insurance for stock and transit, manual handling training, and when you would need to register for VAT.