Ceiling trade counter with stock and delivery

Builders, ceiling installers, decorators, shopfitters and maintenance teams who need materials at short notice.

You buy in bulk at trade prices and sell at a margin. Holding stock lets you charge for convenience and speed, and you can add delivery fees and related items such as fixings and adhesives.

• Product knowledge and helping trades choose materials
• Stock control and buying
• Handling and loading heavy, awkward boards safely
• Customer service and sales

• Stock ties up a lot of cash, so start with fast-moving lines
• Ceiling tiles and boards are easily damaged by damp and rough handling, so check storage conditions
• Check lease terms, business rates and whether the unit's permitted use covers trade sales
• Check public liability, stock, buildings or contents and motor insurance for a delivery van; employer's liability insurance once you hire
• Manual handling injuries are a real risk, so consider training and lifting equipment
• Be careful with advice on old ceilings, as some older materials may contain asbestos, so point customers to a qualified surveyor

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £15,000 to £60,000, depending on the unit, your stock levels and whether you buy a delivery van. Stock ties up a lot of cash, so starting with fast-moving lines may help.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £12,000 to £50,000, depending on your stock range, local trade demand and delivery area. That is revenue, not profit, so allow for stock, rent and running costs.

Check lease terms, business rates and whether the unit's permitted use covers trade sales. Also check storage conditions for damp-sensitive stock, your insurance, manual handling training, and point customers with old ceilings to a qualified surveyor because of possible asbestos.