Industrial blade reseller working from home

Factories, print finishers, packaging firms, food processors and converters that need blades for guillotines, slitters and slicers.

You add a margin to each blade or set you sell. Repeat orders from regular customers are the main source of income, and some firms will agree standing orders or stock-holding arrangements.

• Sales and building trade relationships
• Reading machine and blade specifications
• Organised order and supplier handling

• Product liability and public liability insurance, since blades can cause injury if wrong or faulty
• Check any rules on supplying machinery parts, and have clear specifications and written order confirmation to avoid supplying the wrong size or steel grade
• Cash flow, because you pay suppliers before customers pay you and many firms expect 30 day terms
• If importing, check customs duties, VAT and delivery times
• Check whether running a business from home needs permission from your landlord, mortgage lender or council

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around £1,500 to £7,500, depending on how much stock you hold and whether you buy made to order. Cash flow is worth planning for, because you pay suppliers before customers pay you.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue typically around £1,500 to £7,500, depending on your customers and order sizes. Many firms expect 30 day payment terms, so cash flow matters because you pay suppliers first.

Check product liability and public liability insurance, since faulty or wrong blades can cause injury. Check any rules on supplying machinery parts, keep written order confirmations, and check customs duties, VAT and delivery times if importing.