Trade supplier of furniture hardware
Stock fittings and hardware from a small unit and supply local makers, fitters and shops.
- £8k-40k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
Official data
3,382 UK companies in this field, 34% registered in the last 2 years
SIC 46470 “Wholesale of furniture, carpets and lighting equipment”. Source: Companies House, November 2026.
What it is
A small trade supplier holding stock of handles, hinges, runners, brackets and fixings in a unit, supplying local furniture makers, kitchen and bedroom fitters and retailers. You might add local delivery or a small trade counter.
Your first three steps
- Visit local joiners, fitters and furniture makers to learn what they struggle to get quickly
- Set up trade accounts with a few wholesalers or manufacturers and agree pricing and minimum orders
- Rent a small unit or start from a storage space, then offer trade accounts and local delivery
Who pays
Furniture makers, joiners, kitchen and bedroom installers, shopfitters and small furniture retailers.
How it makes money
Mark-up on goods bought from manufacturers and wholesalers, with repeat trade accounts, volume pricing and delivery charges for larger orders.
Skills that help
- Knowing hardware ranges and specifications
- Buying and negotiating with suppliers
- Stock control
- Building trade relationships
Watch out for
- Stock ties up cash and slow-moving lines can sit for months
- Check business rates, planning use and lease terms for any unit
- Public liability, stock and goods in transit insurance are worth checking
- Check rules on credit terms and chasing late-paying trade customers
- Check whether you need to register for VAT as turnover grows
Deep research report · UK
Everything you need to start: trade supplier of furniture hardware
Researched with live web search for United Kingdom: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a furniture hardware trade supplier?
Startup costs are typically around £8,000 to £40,000, depending on the unit, the range of stock you hold and any delivery set-up. These are estimates, so get quotes before you commit.
How much can a trade hardware supplier earn per month?
Monthly revenue is typically around £3,000 to £15,000, depending on your customer base and range. It is an estimate, and slow-moving stock can tie up cash for months.
What should I check before opening a trade counter unit?
Check business rates, planning use and lease terms for any unit. Also check insurance such as public liability, stock and goods in transit, rules on credit terms and chasing late-paying trade customers, and whether you need to register for VAT.
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Photo: Bru-nO on Pixabay