Home-based basket wholesaler

Independent florists, hamper and gift-box makers, gift shops, farm shops, garden centres and event planners.

You buy at wholesale or import price and sell at a trade price with a margin. Repeat orders from regular trade customers matter most, and minimum order values help cover delivery costs.

• Selling to businesses
• Keeping track of stock and orders
• Negotiating with suppliers
• Reliable customer service

• Check whether your landlord, mortgage lender or council allows stock storage and courier collections at home
• If you import, check customs, import duty, VAT on imports and whether you need an EORI number
• Natural materials like willow and wicker may have plant health or import rules, so check with the supplier and GOV.UK
• If baskets are sold for food use, check food-contact material rules
• Public liability and product liability insurance, plus cover for stock
• Cash flow risk if you give trade customers credit terms, so consider payment upfront at first

Startup costs are typically estimated at around £1,000 to £5,000, depending on how much stock you buy and how you store it. Treat this as an estimate rather than a quote, and remember insurance cover for stock.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £1,000 to £5,000, depending on your trade customers and order sizes. Giving credit terms carries a cash flow risk, so consider asking for payment upfront at first.

Check whether your landlord, mortgage lender or council allows stock storage and courier collections at home. If you import, check customs, import duty, VAT on imports and whether you need an EORI number. Natural materials like willow may have plant health rules.