Online trade supplier of car alarms

Independent garages, auto electricians, car audio and accessory fitters and mobile installers who fit units for vehicle owners.

You buy at trade or wholesale prices and sell at a margin, with extra from fitting kits, remotes, sirens and sensors. Repeat orders from regular installers are what build the business.

• Understanding of car security products
• Sales and relationship building
• Organised with orders and stock records

• Check which products insurers accept, as some policies expect approved security categories (for example Thatcham)
• Check product compliance rules for electronics and radio devices, such as UKCA or CE marking
• Check whether you need to register under WEEE and battery rules as a seller of electrical products
• Trade customers often ask for credit terms, so decide how you will manage late payment
• Public liability and product liability insurance are worth checking before you sell

Startup costs are typically around £1,000 to £5,000, depending on your website and whether you hold stock or pass orders to a supplier who ships direct. These are estimates, so confirm supplier terms first.

Monthly revenue is typically around £1,500 to £7,500, depending on your range, trade customers and how many you win. The estimate assumes at least about 10 hours a week. Revenue is not profit, so allow for product costs.

Check which products insurers accept, as some policies expect approved categories such as Thatcham. Check product compliance such as UKCA or CE marking, WEEE and battery registration, and public and product liability insurance. Decide how you will manage credit terms and late payment.