Ladder and access equipment trade counter

Local builders, roofers, electricians, decorators, facilities teams and homeowners who want advice and a ladder today.

Margin on products sold over the counter and by phone, plus accessories, trade account customers and sometimes repairs or replacement parts.

• Product knowledge and giving safe, practical advice
• Stock control and buying
• Handling trade accounts and customer service

• Check that products meet the relevant UK safety standards and keep supplier paperwork
• Public liability, product liability and stock insurance, and employer's liability if you hire staff
• Unit costs such as rent, business rates and a lease, so check terms before signing
• Large stock levels tie up cash, so start with fast-selling lines
• Safe storage and handling of long, heavy items

Startup costs are typically around £15,000 to £60,000, depending on your unit, lease terms and how much stock you hold. Large stock levels tie up cash, so starting with fast-selling lines is worth considering.

Monthly revenue is typically around £6,000 to £30,000, depending on your location, stock range and how many local trades use you. These are estimates only, and unit costs such as rent and business rates come out of this.

Check that products meet the relevant UK safety standards and keep supplier paperwork. Check rent, business rates and lease terms before signing, look into public liability, product liability and stock insurance, and plan safe storage and handling of long, heavy items.