Online locks and fittings supplier
Sell locks, cylinders and door hardware online to locksmiths, builders and landlords, shipped from a spare room or small store.
- £1.5k-8k
- Side hustle
- Online
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
What it is
You buy locks, cylinders, handles, hinges and fittings from wholesalers or manufacturers, then sell them through your own website or marketplaces. You keep a focused range and ship orders by courier or post.
Your first three steps
- Pick a narrow range (for example euro cylinders and mortice locks) and ask three wholesalers for trade prices and minimum orders
- Build a simple online shop or open a marketplace seller account with clear product photos and specifications
- Contact local locksmiths and small builders offering a trade discount and fast dispatch, then ask for feedback
Who pays
Locksmiths, builders, joiners, letting agents, property managers and DIY customers who want the right part quickly.
How it makes money
You earn the margin between your buying price and selling price. Trade accounts and bundle deals bring repeat orders, and delivery charges can help cover postage.
Skills that help
- Knowing lock types and British Standards
- Stock control and ordering
- Basic online selling and customer service
Watch out for
- Check that products meet relevant standards (such as BS 3621 for insurance-approved locks) and describe them accurately
- Check consumer returns and distance selling rules for online sales
- Check product liability and public liability insurance, and whether you need stock cover
- Check if you can store stock at home under your lease, mortgage or insurance
- Counterfeit or poor-quality stock is a risk, so buy from reputable suppliers only
Deep research report · UK
Everything you need to start: online locks and fittings supplier
Researched with live web search for United Kingdom: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start an online locks supplier?
Startup costs are typically around £1,500 to £8,000, depending on the range of stock you buy, your website or marketplace set-up and insurance. These are estimates, so start with a focused range.
How much can an online locks supplier earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around £500 to £4,000, depending on your range, pricing and how many trade and DIY customers you reach. Treat these figures as estimates, and expect them to vary.
What should I check before selling locks online?
Check that products meet relevant standards, such as BS 3621 for insurance-approved locks, and are described accurately. Also check consumer returns and distance selling rules, product and public liability insurance, and whether you can store stock at home under your lease, mortgage or insurance.
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