Luggage wholesaler with a small unit

Independent retailers, travel agents, online sellers, market traders and businesses buying in bulk for gifts or staff.

You earn the margin between your landed cost and your trade price. Larger volumes, repeat accounts and carrying ready stock for quick delivery let you compete with importers and direct sourcing.

• Buying and negotiating
• Stock control and pricing
• Selling to trade buyers
• Managing cash flow

• Check import duty, VAT and shipping costs, and the time stock takes to arrive
• Check product safety and labelling rules for the goods you sell
• Lease terms, business rates and any restrictions on trade visitors at the unit
• Stock, buildings contents and public liability insurance, and employer's liability insurance if you hire
• Offering credit to customers carries a risk of late or unpaid invoices, so check new accounts before agreeing terms
• Counterfeit goods risk, and unsold seasonal stock

Startup costs are typically estimated at around £15,000 to £60,000, depending on your unit, stock range and shipping. Check lease terms, business rates and any restrictions on trade visitors before committing to a unit.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £5,000 to £25,000, depending on how many retailers and bulk buyers you supply, with at least about 35 hours a week. This is revenue rather than profit, and unsold seasonal stock is a risk.

Check import duty, VAT and shipping costs, the time stock takes to arrive, and product safety and labelling rules. Also check insurance for stock, contents and public liability, and check new trade accounts before offering credit to avoid unpaid invoices.