Own-Brand number plate frame importer

Online resellers, accessory retailers, garage groups, dealerships wanting branded or dealer-name frames, and marketplace sellers.

You sell larger orders at trade prices well above your landed cost. Custom and dealer-branded frames can be priced higher than standard ones.

• Negotiating with suppliers
• Basic online selling and product photos
• Managing stock and cash flow

• Import costs: check duty, import VAT, shipping and customs paperwork with HMRC or a freight agent before ordering
• Check product safety and labelling rules for goods sold in the UK, and ask suppliers for test or compliance information
• Check DVLA rules so your designs do not obscure plate characters, and make sure buyers understand this
• Do not copy car makers' logos or trade marks without permission
• Stock and cash tied up in a large first order, so start small
• Public liability and product liability insurance, plus insurance for stored stock
• Poor-quality batches from overseas suppliers, so inspect samples and deliveries

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £4,000 to £15,000, depending on the size of your first order, shipping and import costs. Starting small is wise, because stock and cash can be tied up in a large first order.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £1,500 to £7,500, depending on your range, pricing and how many resellers you win. Margins can be better than buying from wholesalers, but you carry the stock risk yourself.

Check duty, import VAT, shipping and customs paperwork with HMRC or a freight agent. Also check UK product safety and labelling rules, DVLA rules on obscured plate characters, and avoid copying car makers' logos without permission.