Hose and fittings trade counter

Local tradespeople, farmers, workshops, factories, plant hire firms and keen DIY customers.

Margin on hoses, fittings and accessories, plus charges for cutting, assembly and delivery. Trade accounts bring repeat orders.

• Product knowledge across hose types and fittings
• Stock control and buying
• Trade sales and building account customers

• Rent, business rates and stock are fixed costs, so work out your break-even before signing a lease
• Check planning use class, lease terms and fire safety for the unit
• Public liability, product liability and buildings and contents insurance, plus employer's liability if you hire
• Managing credit terms for trade accounts, as late payers can hurt cash flow
• Check safety requirements before selling or making hoses for gas, fuel or chemicals

Startup costs are typically around £20,000 to £80,000, depending on the unit, how much stock you hold, the cutting bench and any hose-making equipment. Treat this as an estimate and work out your break-even before signing a lease.

Monthly revenue is typically around £10,000 to £45,000, depending on your location, range and how many trade account customers you build. This is revenue, not profit, so allow for rent, business rates and stock.

Check the planning use class, lease terms and fire safety for the unit, and arrange public liability, product liability and buildings and contents insurance. Also check safety requirements before selling or making hoses for gas, fuel or chemicals.