Online mould-making supplies shop

Small manufacturers, prop and model makers, jewellery and homeware makers, and workshops that need small to medium amounts of material.

Mark-up on products bought in bulk, plus extra margin on repacked smaller sizes, starter kits and delivery charges. Repeat orders from regular customers are the core of the business.

• Understanding moulding materials and how they are used
• Stock control and organisation
• Customer service and answering technical questions

• Some resins and chemicals have labelling, storage and safety data sheet rules (check COSHH, CLP and REACH requirements)
• Couriers may restrict or charge extra for certain chemicals, so check before promising delivery
• Product liability and public liability insurance, and where you can safely store stock at home or in a unit
• Cash tied up in stock, so start with a small range

Startup costs are typically around £3,000 to £12,000, depending on the range you stock and how much bulk material you buy. Cash gets tied up in stock, so it helps to start with a small range.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £1,500 to £7,000, depending on your range, pricing and how many makers and workshops you reach. That is revenue rather than profit, so allow for stock, packaging and delivery costs.

Check COSHH, CLP and REACH requirements for labelling, storage and safety data sheets. Also check courier restrictions or extra charges for chemicals before promising delivery, and look at product and public liability insurance and where to store stock safely.