Leather stockholder and exporter

Small and mid-sized makers of bags, shoes, belts and upholstery abroad, plus other merchants and designers.

You sell at a margin above your buying price. Fast delivery, small minimum orders and a good choice of colours let you charge more than a tannery would.

• Judging leather quality and grades
• Negotiating with suppliers and buyers
• Export paperwork and shipping
• Managing cash flow and stock

• Check customs rules: EORI number, commodity codes, export declarations and any duties in the destination country
• Payment risk with overseas buyers; consider upfront payment, letters of credit or trade credit insurance
• Stock insurance and storage conditions, as leather can be damaged by damp
• Currency changes can reduce your margin, so check how to quote and get paid
• Check VAT treatment of exports and whether you need to register
• Check buyer requirements on chemicals in leather and any rules for exotic skins

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around £15,000 to £60,000, depending on how much stock you buy and your storage. Stock insurance and storage conditions matter, as leather can be damaged by damp.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around £5,000 to £25,000, depending on stock levels and the buyers you win. Currency changes can reduce your margin, so check how to quote and get paid.

Check customs rules, including an EORI number, commodity codes, export declarations and any duties in the destination country. Also check the VAT treatment of exports and whether you need to register, and consider payment risk with overseas buyers.