Home-Based desk accessories wholesaler

Independent gift shops, small offices, co-working spaces, online resellers and local businesses buying in volume.

You buy at wholesale or import prices and sell in cases or multi-packs at a trade margin. Minimum order values and repeat orders from a small number of regular customers keep it worthwhile.

• Finding and negotiating with suppliers
• Organised stock and order handling
• Selling to businesses by email and phone

• Check your tenancy, mortgage or council rules before storing stock and shipping parcels from home
• Check that your home insurance or a business policy covers stock and public liability
• Electrical items such as USB lamps or chargers have product safety and marking rules, check what applies before selling
• If you import, check customs duty, import VAT and who is responsible for the goods
• Unsold stock ties up cash, so start with small orders
• Keep an eye on the VAT registration threshold as sales grow

Startup costs are typically around £1,500 to £8,000, depending on the stock you buy, your trade website and your packing and shipping supplies. These are estimates, so start with small orders because unsold stock ties up cash.

Monthly revenue is typically around £1,000 to £5,000, depending on your niche, prices, number of trade customers and the hours you put in. The estimate starts from about 10 hours a week, so treat it as a guide.

Check your tenancy, mortgage or council rules before storing stock and shipping parcels from home, and whether your insurance covers stock and public liability. Also check product safety rules for electrical items, customs duty and import VAT if you import, and the VAT registration threshold.