Local dental supplies trade counter

Dental practices, dental technicians and labs, and mobile or community dental teams in your area.

Margin on products sold, plus regular account customers who order weekly. Same-day local delivery can justify a higher price than a distant online supplier.

• Stock control and buying
• Sales and account management
• Customer service
• Reliable local delivery

• Some dental products count as medical devices, so check the current MHRA rules for distributors
• Prescription-only medicines usually need specific licences, so check before stocking them
• Public liability, product liability, stock and van insurance
• Money tied up in stock and long customer payment terms
• Competition from large national suppliers, so know what you can offer that they can't
• Check business rates and planning use for your unit with the council

Startup costs are typically around £15,000 to £60,000, depending on the unit, the amount of stock you buy and your delivery setup. These are estimates, so plan your own opening stock and budget.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around £8,000 to £40,000, depending on how many practices and labs you supply. Money can be tied up in stock and long customer payment terms, so plan your cash flow.

Check current MHRA rules for distributors, as some dental products count as medical devices. Check licences for prescription-only medicines, public liability, product liability, stock and van insurance, and business rates and planning use for your unit.