Handmade crafts wholesaler with trade fairs

Gift shops, galleries, tourist attractions, boutique hotels and independent retailers who prefer to see products in person.

You buy at trade prices and sell at wholesale prices, keeping the margin. Repeat orders from shops each season bring steady income.

• Confident selling face to face
• Product display and presentation
• Planning stock for seasons such as Christmas
• Managing cash flow

• Trade fair stands can be expensive and results are not guaranteed, so check costs against likely orders
• Check product safety requirements for the items you sell and keep supplier records
• Stock that does not sell can tie up cash, so start with small orders from makers
• Public liability insurance, and cover for stock in storage or in your vehicle
• Check your home insurance or landlord rules if you store stock at home

Startup costs are typically around £3,000 to £15,000, depending on trade fair stand costs, how much stock you buy and your storage. Check stand costs against likely orders and start with small orders from makers.

Monthly revenue is typically around £1,000 to £5,000, depending on the shops you sign up and the seasons you sell into. These are estimates of revenue, not profit, and unsold stock can tie up cash.

Check product safety requirements for the items you sell and keep supplier records. Check public liability insurance and cover for stock in storage or your vehicle, plus your home insurance or landlord rules if you store stock at home.