Local corporate gift and merchandise supplier

Local companies, estate agents, trades firms, schools, sports clubs and event organisers who like dealing with someone nearby.

Margin on each product and branding job, plus larger orders at busy times such as Christmas and trade shows. Regular account customers can place several orders a year.

• Building relationships and networking
• Giving clear quotes
• Managing several jobs at once

• Check whether you need public liability insurance, especially when visiting customers' premises
• Check the rules for selling food, drink or alcohol in gift boxes, including local council registration and labelling
• Keep written approvals for artwork and quantities to avoid disputes over errors
• Check where you can store stock, and whether your home, landlord or mortgage lender allows it
• Plan cash flow, as you may pay suppliers before customers pay you

Startup costs are typically around £1,000 to £5,000, depending on how many samples you buy, how much stock you hold and how you market yourself. These are estimates, so build your own figures from supplier quotes before you commit.

Monthly revenue is typically around £1,000 to £5,000, depending on how many local firms you win and how big their orders are. That is revenue rather than profit, so allow for supplier costs. Hours start from around 15 a week.

Check whether you need public liability insurance, especially when visiting customers' premises. If gift boxes include food, drink or alcohol, check council registration and labelling rules. Also check whether your home, landlord or mortgage lender allows you to store stock.