Independent electrical trade counter

Local electricians, building contractors, maintenance teams, installers and small businesses.

Margin on each item sold, with trade accounts for regular customers. Fast availability and helpful advice let you compete on service rather than price alone.

• Knowledge of electrical products and what each job needs
• Customer service and building trade relationships
• Stock buying and cash flow management
• Organising a stockroom and deliveries

• Check the lease terms, business rates and any planning use class for the unit with your council
• Check the rules on electrical product safety and marking, and whether WEEE registration applies
• Public liability, product liability, stock and buildings or contents insurance
• Offering credit to trade customers carries a risk of late or unpaid invoices
• Large national wholesalers can undercut prices, so know what you can offer that they do not
• Employer's liability insurance once you take on staff

Startup costs are typically around £40,000 to £150,000, depending on the unit and lease, the amount of stock you carry and your insurance. Stock buying and cash flow need careful management.

Check the lease terms, business rates and planning use class with your council. Also check the rules on electrical product safety and marking, whether WEEE registration applies, and employer's liability insurance once you take on staff.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around £15,000 to £70,000, depending on location, stock range and trade customers. Credit to trade customers carries a risk of late payment. The idea assumes at least around 40 hours a week.