Online trade lighting supplier

Electricians, small building firms, shopfitters, maintenance contractors and independent retailers.

You buy at trade or bulk prices and sell at a margin. Repeat orders from regular trade accounts matter most, and larger project quotes can add bigger one-off orders.

• Building relationships with suppliers and trade buyers
• Basic product knowledge of lighting types and fittings
• Organised with orders, pricing and stock records

• Product safety and marking rules for electrical and lighting goods (UKCA or CE marking), check what applies to the products you sell
• Whether you need to register under the WEEE and packaging waste rules, check the current thresholds and obligations
• Product liability and public liability insurance, and check what cover your supplier agreements expect
• Offering credit to trade customers carries the risk of late or unpaid invoices
• Check that running a stock-holding business from home is allowed by your landlord, lender or council
• Check import duties and VAT if you buy from overseas suppliers

Startup costs are typically estimated at around £1,500 to £7,500, depending on your website, the stock you hold, supplier account terms and insurance. Treat this as an estimate and cost your own focused range before you begin.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around £1,000 to £5,000, depending on your range, how many trade customers you win and the hours you put in. This is revenue, before supplier costs, delivery and other expenses. Offering credit carries a risk of late payment.

Check what UKCA or CE marking and product safety rules apply to your products, and whether you must register under WEEE and packaging waste rules. Also check insurance your supplier agreements expect, whether stock at home is allowed by your landlord, lender or council, and import duties and VAT.