Online car accessories trade supplier

Independent car accessory shops, small garages, valeting businesses, used car dealers and online sellers who want a reliable local supplier.

You buy in volume at a lower unit price and sell at a trade price with a margin. Repeat orders from regular trade customers are the main source of income.

• Negotiating with suppliers
• Organised stock and order handling
• Basic online selling and invoicing
• Knowing which products sell

• Product safety: check that lights, chargers and electrical items meet UK requirements (such as UKCA or CE marking and road legality)
• Imported goods may involve customs duty and VAT, so check the current rules with HMRC
• Tied-up cash in stock that does not sell, so start with small orders
• Check whether you can store stock at home with your landlord, mortgage lender or insurer
• Get product liability and stock insurance

Startup costs are typically around £1,500 to £8,000, depending on your opening stock, website setup and insurance. These are estimates, and starting with small orders helps limit cash tied up in stock.

Monthly revenue is typically around £500 to £5,000, depending on your product range, how many trade customers you win and your order sizes. These are estimates rather than guarantees.

Check that lights, chargers and electrical items meet UK requirements, such as UKCA or CE marking and road legality. Check customs duty and VAT with HMRC if importing, and whether home storage is allowed by your landlord, lender or insurer.