Household goods wholesaler with a small unit and van

Independent shops, convenience stores, cafes, care homes, hotels, letting agents and small facilities teams.

Margin on goods bought in bulk, with regular delivery rounds and repeat orders. A wider range and steady customers make each delivery more worthwhile.

• Sales and account management
• Stock control and ordering
• Driving and route planning
• Managing cash flow and credit terms

• Business rates, planning use class and lease terms for the unit, so check with the council and landlord before signing
• Product safety and labelling duties for what you sell, so check with Trading Standards
• Storing and selling cleaning chemicals may have extra rules, so check the guidance
• Public liability, stock, goods in transit and motor insurance, plus employer's liability if you hire
• Offering credit to customers can leave you chasing late payments
• VAT registration once turnover grows

Startup costs are estimates, typically around £6,000 to £30,000, depending on the unit and lease, the van, your opening stock and insurance. A narrower range at the start can keep early costs down.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around £5,000 to £25,000, depending on your range, customers and delivery area. Offering credit can leave you chasing late payments. This is a full-time business, at least around 30 hours a week.

Check business rates, planning use class and lease terms with the council and landlord before signing. Check product safety and labelling duties with Trading Standards, extra rules for cleaning chemicals, insurance cover and VAT registration as turnover grows.