Online builders merchant with local delivery

Small builders and tradespeople who want to order at any hour, and homeowners planning self-build or renovation work.

You earn the margin between the supplier's trade price and your online price, plus delivery charges. The monthly figure is sales turnover, not profit.

• Knowing your product niche well
• Building and running an online shop
• Supplier negotiation
• Customer service for orders and returns

• Delivery of heavy or bulky items can be costly or damaged, so agree who is responsible for breakages and shortages
• Distance selling rules on returns and refunds, so check what applies to your goods
• Public liability and product liability insurance, plus stock cover if you hold any
• Thin margins if you compete only on price against larger sellers
• Check whether you need to register for VAT as your sales grow
• Storing stock in a unit may need landlord or council permission

Startup costs are typically around £3,000 to £15,000, depending on your website, the niche you choose and whether you rent a unit for stock. These are estimates, so check supplier terms and delivery costs.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £2,000 to £10,000, depending on your niche, pricing and how many trade and homeowner orders you win. Margins can be thin if you compete only on price.

Check distance selling rules on returns and refunds, whether you need to register for VAT as sales grow, and insurance such as public liability and product liability. Storing stock in a unit may also need landlord or council permission.