Order-Led natural stone supplier from home

Small landscaping firms, builders, fabricators and independent retailers who want specific stone without buying a full pallet range.

You add a margin to the supplier price on each order, and you may charge for samples or delivery. Profit grows with repeat trade accounts rather than stock.

• Knowledge of natural stone
• Supplier negotiation
• Quoting and admin
• Clear communication with trade buyers

• Order-by-order buying means you carry the risk if a customer refuses or a pallet arrives damaged, so agree terms with suppliers first
• Supplier lead times can be long, so be honest with customers about delivery
• Colour and batch variation between orders, so use samples and written confirmation
• Import duties, customs and VAT if you buy from overseas, so check with HMRC or a freight agent
• Public liability and product liability insurance, and goods in transit cover
• Check whether you can run a business from home with your landlord, mortgage lender or council

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £2,000 to £10,000, depending on your samples, supplier arrangements and admin setup. Because you buy order by order, you hold little or no stock, though you carry the risk if a customer refuses.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around £2,000 to £10,000, depending on how many trade customers you win and the size of their orders. Revenue is not profit, so allow for stone costs, freight and damaged pallets.

Check whether your landlord, mortgage lender or council allows a business at home. Also check import duties, customs and VAT if you buy from overseas, goods in transit and liability insurance, and agree terms with suppliers in case a pallet arrives damaged.