Cotton sourcing agent for makers and brands

Independent clothing labels, designers, small manufacturers and homeware makers who lack time or contacts to source cotton themselves.

Commission from the supplier on orders you place, or a sourcing fee agreed with the buyer, sometimes both.

• Knowing cotton grades, weights and finishes
• Negotiating with suppliers
• Building trade contacts
• Organised follow-up on samples and deliveries

• Get commission terms and who is responsible for faulty goods in writing
• Check import duty, VAT and customs paperwork if suppliers are abroad
• Consider professional indemnity insurance as well as public liability
• Income can be uneven early on, as buyers may take months to place a first order
• Check ethical and sustainability claims from suppliers before passing them on

Startup costs are typically around £500 to £3,000, depending on sample costs, travel, your website and insurance. Treat this as an estimate and check what you need for your own supplier and customer mix.

Monthly revenue is typically around £400 to £2,500, depending on the orders you place and your commission terms. Income can be uneven early on, as buyers may take months to place a first order.

Get commission terms and who is responsible for faulty goods in writing. Check import duty, VAT and customs paperwork if suppliers are abroad, consider professional indemnity as well as public liability insurance, and verify suppliers' ethical claims.