Online metal and fixings supplier (no stock)

Small fabricators, welders, engineers, workshops and makers who want a single contact for odds and ends.

You add a margin to the price from your supplier. Margins on metal are often thin, so repeat orders, delivery and a good service for smaller jobs matter.

• Knowing metal grades and sizes
• Selling to trade customers
• Good with spreadsheets and quoting
• Reliable follow-up on deliveries

• Public liability and goods in transit or product liability insurance, check what cover you need
• Wrong grade or size supplied is costly, so check material certificates and your supplier's returns terms
• Suppliers may want credit references, and customers may pay late, so check payment terms on both sides
• Check whether you need to register for VAT as sales grow
• If you ever buy scrap metal, a scrap metal dealer licence may be needed, check with your council

Startup costs are typically around £500 to £4,000, depending on your ordering setup, insurance and how much stock you choose to hold. Check what cover you need, including public liability and goods in transit or product liability insurance.

Monthly revenue is typically around £2,000 to £10,000, depending on your customers, the range you offer and your order volumes. Check payment terms with both suppliers and customers, as late payment on either side can affect your cash flow.

Check material certificates and your supplier's returns terms, because supplying the wrong grade or size is costly. Also check insurance needs and whether you must register for VAT as sales grow. If you ever buy scrap metal, check with your council about a licence.