Local light bulb trade delivery round

Electricians, letting agents, property managers, small builders, shops, pubs and offices.

You sell at a margin over wholesale prices, often on trade accounts with regular orders and a small delivery charge for smaller drops.

• Building relationships with trade customers
• Route planning and reliable delivery
• Stock control and basic bookkeeping

• Check the rules on electrical product safety and marking for what you sell
• Check your WEEE producer obligations and how to handle old or broken lamps, as some contain hazardous materials
• Motor insurance that covers carrying goods for business use, plus public liability and product liability
• Unpaid invoices on trade accounts, so agree payment terms and consider credit checks
• Competition from big wholesalers and online sellers, so focus on speed and service

Startup costs are typically estimated at around £3,000 to £12,000, depending on your stock levels, whether you use a van or a storage unit, and the insurance you need.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £1,500 to £7,500, depending on how many regular trade customers you serve and how often they order. Unpaid invoices and competition from big wholesalers can affect this.

Check the rules on electrical product safety and marking for what you sell, plus your WEEE producer obligations and how to handle old or broken lamps. Also check motor insurance covering goods carried for business, and public and product liability cover.