Local bearing and parts trade counter

Local garages, engineering firms, farms, factories and maintenance teams that cannot wait for a delivery when a machine is down.

Margin on parts sold from stock, often with trade accounts for regular customers. Extra income can come from related items such as seals, grease and fitting tools.

• Technical knowledge of bearings and how they are used
• Stock control and purchasing
• Trade customer service and credit control

• Stock ties up cash, so start with fast-moving sizes and expand gradually
• Offering credit to trade customers risks late payment, so check terms and consider credit checks
• Buy only from authorised sources to avoid counterfeit bearings
• Check insurance for stock, premises, public liability and product liability, plus employer's liability if you hire
• Check business rates, planning use class and any lease terms before signing
• Check VAT registration and your local council requirements for the premises

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £15,000 to £60,000, depending on the unit, shelving and how much stock you buy. Stock ties up cash, so starting with fast-moving sizes and expanding gradually may help.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around £8,000 to £35,000, depending on location, range and how many local trade customers you serve. This is revenue, not profit, and late payment on trade credit can affect cash flow.

Check business rates, the planning use class and any lease terms before signing. Check insurance for stock, premises, public liability and product liability, plus employer's liability if you hire. Also check VAT registration, credit terms for trade customers, and buy only from authorised sources.