Online trade supplier of consumer electronics

Independent shops, market traders, online sellers, repair shops and small businesses buying in quantity.

You buy at trade prices and sell at a margin in cases or pallets, with discounts for bigger orders and repeat customers.

• Negotiating with suppliers
• Spotting products that sell
• Basic bookkeeping and stock control
• Building trade relationships

• Counterfeit or grey-market goods: only buy from authorised sources and keep invoices
• Product safety and CE or UKCA marking on electrical items, check what applies to your products
• WEEE (electrical waste) and battery producer rules may apply, check with the Environment Agency or a compliance scheme
• Stock tied up in unsold goods, and fast-falling prices on older models
• Public liability and product liability insurance, plus stock cover
• Check whether your landlord, mortgage lender or council allows stock to be stored at home
• VAT registration if turnover passes the threshold

Startup costs are typically around £2,000 to £10,000, depending on how much stock you buy and what you need for storage and a trade website. These are estimates, so budget for your own product range.

Monthly revenue is typically around £1,500 to £8,000, depending on your products, supplier prices and how many trade customers you win. Estimates start at about 10 hours a week.

Check you only buy from authorised sources and keep invoices, as counterfeit goods are a risk. Also check CE or UKCA marking, WEEE and battery producer rules, insurance, and VAT registration if your turnover passes the threshold.