Fertiliser sales agent for local farms

Arable and livestock farmers, market gardeners, nurseries, estates and contractors.

A commission per tonne or a margin between your buying and selling price. Repeat seasonal orders (mostly spring and autumn) are where the income comes from.

• Knowledge of farming or growing
• Building trust with farmers
• Price comparison and negotiation
• Basic bookkeeping

• Rules on selling ammonium nitrate and other regulated fertilisers, check with the supplier, HSE and the Health and Safety Executive guidance before you sell
• Giving nutrient advice without proper training, check what qualifications are expected
• Fertiliser prices can swing quickly, so agree payment terms to avoid being caught out
• Late-paying customers, consider credit checks and clear payment terms
• Professional indemnity and public liability insurance, check what you need

Startup costs are typically estimated at around £500 to £3,000, depending on your insurance, tools and how you market yourself to farms. Because suppliers deliver direct to the farm, you do not need to buy or store stock.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £800 to £4,000, depending on the margin or commission you agree and how many farms and growers you work with. Prices can swing quickly, so agree payment terms to avoid being caught out.

Check the rules on selling ammonium nitrate and other regulated fertilisers with your supplier and HSE guidance. Also check what qualifications are expected before giving nutrient advice, and what professional indemnity and public liability insurance you need.