Export trader with a small stockroom

Overseas distributors, retailers and wholesalers who reorder regularly and want mixed orders from one UK source.

You buy in volume at lower prices and sell at a margin that covers storage, shipping and paperwork. Repeat buyers give steadier income than one-off orders.

• Buying and negotiating
• Stock control and logistics planning
• Managing customer relationships and payments

• Tying up cash in stock that doesn't sell, so start with lines that have confirmed orders
• Customs and licensing: check export declarations, EORI numbers and any licences or certificates for your product type
• Insurance for stock, goods in transit, public liability and employer's liability if you hire
• Business rates, lease terms and permitted use of the unit. Check with the landlord and local council
• Exchange rate swings and late or non-payment by overseas buyers
• Whether you need to register for VAT, and how export sales are treated. Check with HMRC or an accountant

Startup costs are typically estimated at around £5,000 to £25,000, depending on how much stock you buy and the unit you rent. Starting with lines that have confirmed orders helps avoid tying up cash in stock that doesn't sell.

Check export declarations, EORI numbers and any licences or certificates needed for your product type. Also check insurance for stock and goods in transit, and whether you need to register for VAT and how export sales are treated, with HMRC or an accountant.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £4,000 to £20,000, depending on your products, order sizes and number of regular buyers. These are revenue estimates, not profit. Exchange rate swings and late payment from overseas buyers can affect what you keep.