Trade fabric warehouse from a small unit

Upholsterers, dressmakers, curtain and blind makers, interior designers, small manufacturers and independent fabric retailers.

Margin on fabric sold by the metre or roll, with better returns from regular trade accounts and bulk orders. Cutting services and remnant sales can add extra income.

• Buying and stock control
• Negotiating with mills and agents
• Managing trade accounts and credit
• Handling and cutting heavy rolls safely

• Check lease terms, business rates and whether the unit's permitted use suits storage and trade sales
• Public liability, stock and buildings or contents insurance, plus employer's liability if you hire
• Check fire safety rules for upholstery fabrics and textile labelling requirements
• If importing, check duties, customs rules and currency risks
• Large stock levels tie up cash and fabrics can go out of fashion, so buy carefully
• Manual handling of heavy rolls, so check safe working practice

Startup costs are typically around £15,000 to £60,000, depending on the unit, the range of bolts you stock and any fit-out. These are estimates. Large stock levels tie up cash and fabrics can go out of fashion, so buy carefully.

Monthly revenue is typically around £8,000 to £40,000, depending on your range, trade accounts and how well you manage stock. That is revenue, not profit. Slow-paying trade customers can hurt cash flow, so think about credit terms.

Check lease terms, business rates and whether the unit's permitted use suits storage and trade sales. Also check insurance, fire safety rules for upholstery fabrics, textile labelling, and safe manual handling of heavy rolls. If importing, check duties and customs rules.