Online trade equipment supplier

Self-employed tradespeople, small building and maintenance firms, and small businesses buying for their own staff.

You buy at trade price and sell at a margin. Some items can be dropshipped by the wholesaler, so you carry little stock. Repeat orders from regular trade customers help.

• Knowing what tradespeople need
• Building and running an online shop
• Customer service
• Keeping track of orders and stock

• Register as a sole trader or company and check when VAT registration becomes compulsory
• Product safety rules: check that items such as PPE, electrical tools and ladders carry the right UK markings
• Consumer and distance selling rules on returns and refunds, check which apply to business buyers
• Thin margins against big online sellers, so a narrow niche and good service matter
• Product liability and public liability insurance, check cover with a broker

Startup costs are typically around £500 to £4,000, depending on your website, the niche you choose and the insurance you take out. These are estimates, so check wholesaler terms and insurance quotes before launching.

Check how to register as a sole trader or company and when VAT registration becomes compulsory. Also check that items such as PPE, electrical tools and ladders carry the right UK markings, and which returns rules apply to business buyers.

Monthly revenue is typically around £500 to £5,000, depending on your niche, prices and how many tradespeople you reach. The estimate assumes at least 8 hours a week, and margins can be thin against big online sellers.