Local office supplies trade counter and delivery

Offices, schools, shops, resellers and facilities managers who want reliable bulk supply and a local contact.

You sell cases and bulk quantities at a margin above your buying price, often on account for regular customers. Delivery charges or minimum order values help cover van costs.

• Stock control and ordering
• Building trade accounts and handling credit
• Selling to businesses and managing deliveries

• Check lease terms, business rates and whether the unit's permitted use suits storage and distribution
• Public liability insurance, plus stock and vehicle cover, and employer's liability once you hire
• Margins can be thin and large competitors price aggressively, so work out your costs carefully
• Customers on account may pay late, so check credit terms and consider credit checks
• Check product safety and electrical marking rules for any electrical items you stock
• Keep an eye on the VAT registration threshold as turnover grows

Startup costs are typically around £8,000 to £35,000, depending on the unit, the range of stock you hold and any delivery vehicle. These are estimates, so cost your lease, stock and insurance before you commit.

Monthly revenue is typically around £5,000 to £20,000, depending on the number of trade accounts, your range and your prices. The estimate assumes from about 30 hours a week. Margins can be thin, so work out costs carefully.

Check lease terms, business rates and whether the unit's permitted use suits storage and distribution. Also check public liability, stock and vehicle insurance, employer's liability once you hire, credit terms for account customers, and the VAT registration threshold as turnover grows.