Start a home-based phone accessories trade supplier

Independent phone and gift shops, market and kiosk traders, repair shops, and eBay, Amazon and Etsy sellers who want reliable stock at trade prices.

You earn the margin between your bulk buying price and your trade price per pack. Repeat orders from regular customers matter more than one-off sales.

• Negotiating with suppliers
• Stock and order organisation
• Basic online selling and customer service

• Product safety rules: chargers, power adapters and batteries must meet UK requirements, so check markings and ask suppliers for documentation
• Fake or unlicensed branded goods can lead to seizure and legal trouble, so buy only from suppliers you can verify
• Check whether you need to register for WEEE and battery producer compliance, depending on what you sell and how you source it
• Check with your landlord, mortgage lender or council about storing and dispatching stock from home
• Public liability and product liability insurance, plus VAT once you pass the threshold

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around £2,000 to £10,000, depending on how much stock you buy and how you store and dispatch it. Insurance and VAT once you pass the threshold are also worth planning for.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £1,000 to £5,000, depending on your range, supplier prices and how many shops and online sellers you supply. Treat these as estimates, not guarantees.

Check that chargers, power adapters and batteries meet UK product safety requirements, and ask suppliers for documentation. Buy only from verifiable suppliers to avoid fake goods. Also check WEEE and battery producer compliance, and storage with your landlord, lender or council.