Ceiling materials supplier, delivered to site

Local builders, decorators, ceiling fitters, shopfitters and small contractors who want a reliable supplier without a trip to a big merchant.

You add a margin to the trade price you pay your suppliers, plus a delivery charge where suitable. Margins on each order are modest, so repeat customers and regular orders matter.

• Knowing ceiling products and how they are fitted
• Quoting and measuring from plans
• Organised and good at following up orders
• Building relationships with trades

• Suppliers may want credit checks or deposits before giving you trade terms
• If you give customers credit, late payment can hit your cash flow, so consider payment up front for new customers
• Check you are not liable for products damaged in transit and what your insurance covers (public liability, goods in transit)
• Fire-rated or acoustic products must match the specification, so pass on manufacturer data sheets and avoid giving design advice you are not qualified for
• If you store stock at home, check with your landlord, mortgage lender and insurer, and the council if needed

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £500 to £5,000, depending on how much stock you hold, your delivery arrangements and any deposits suppliers ask for. Check whether suppliers want credit checks before offering trade terms.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £2,000 to £10,000, depending on your trade customers, order sizes and products. Late payment can hit cash flow, so consider payment up front for new customers.

Check what your insurance covers, including public liability and goods in transit. Fire-rated or acoustic products must match the specification, so pass on manufacturer data sheets. If you store stock at home, check with your landlord, mortgage lender and insurer.