Leather trade supplier from a small unit

Workshops, upholsterers, saddlers, shoe and bag makers, furniture makers and small manufacturers.

You earn the margin between bulk buying price and trade selling price. Repeat accounts, regular orders and cutting services build steady income.

• Negotiating with tanneries and suppliers
• Knowledge of leather grades and uses
• Stock control and invoicing

• Stock is expensive to hold and slow-selling colours can tie up cash
• Check insurance for stock, fire, theft and public liability, and employer's liability if you hire
• Check business rates, lease terms and permitted use of the unit with the landlord and council
• Trade customers often expect credit terms, so consider credit checks and late payment risk
• If you import hides, check customs duties and import rules, and ask suppliers about animal origin and tanning standards

Typically around £10,000 to £50,000, depending on the unit and how much stock you hold. Monthly revenue is estimated at around £3,000 to £15,000, depending on your trade accounts and the colours and grades you stock.

Check insurance for stock, fire, theft and public liability, plus employer's liability if you hire. Check business rates, lease terms and permitted use of the unit with the landlord and council. If you import hides, check customs duties and import rules.

Negotiating with tanneries and suppliers, knowledge of leather grades and uses, and stock control and invoicing matter most. Estimates suggest at least around 30 hours a week. Trade customers often expect credit terms, so consider credit checks and late payment risk.