Leather goods trade supplier with a small unit

Independent retailers, market traders, online shops, gift companies and businesses buying branded or corporate leather items.

Margin between your buying price and trade price, helped by volume discounts from suppliers. Larger, regular orders and faster delivery let you win accounts from slower competitors.

• Buying and negotiating with suppliers
• Selling to trade customers
• Stock control and packing
• Managing cash flow

• Lease terms, business rates and whether the unit's permitted use covers storage and trade visitors, so check with the landlord and council
• Product safety, labelling and leather description rules, so check with Trading Standards
• Import duty, VAT and customs requirements if you buy from overseas, so check GOV.UK
• Large amounts of cash tied up in stock that may not sell, so start with a core range
• Late-paying customers, so set clear credit terms and consider credit checks
• Stock, buildings contents and public liability insurance, plus employer's liability once you hire

Estimated startup costs are typically around £12,000 to £50,000, depending on the unit you rent, the range of stock you buy and the packing and storage equipment you need.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around £8,000 to £40,000, depending on the size of your range, your trade customers and your pricing. The estimates assume at least about 35 hours a week.

Check lease terms, business rates and whether the unit's permitted use covers storage and trade visitors, with the landlord and council. Also check product safety and leather description rules with Trading Standards, and import duty, VAT and customs on GOV.UK.