Local office supplies wholesale and delivery

Local businesses, schools, surgeries, care homes and independent retailers that want reliable next-day delivery and one account for their regular supplies.

Margin on bulk-bought stock sold at trade prices, with regular standing orders giving steady income. Delivery fees or minimum order values help cover van costs.

• Sales and building relationships with business buyers
• Stock control and route planning
• Comfortable with driving and lifting

• Cash tied up in stock and customers paying on 30-day terms, check your cash flow before committing
• Unit lease terms, business rates and planning use for storage, check with your landlord and local council
• Van, goods in transit, public liability and employer's liability (once you hire) insurance
• VAT registration threshold and keeping proper records
• Being undercut by large national suppliers, so compete on service and local speed
• Manual handling risks with heavy boxes of paper

Startup costs are typically around £8,000 to £40,000, depending on your setup. These are estimates. Your costs will vary with your stock levels, unit rent and vehicle, and cash can be tied up in stock.

Monthly revenue is typically around £3,000 to £15,000, depending on your customer numbers, order sizes and prices. These are estimates. Customers paying on 30-day terms affect cash flow, so plan for at least 30 hours a week.

Check your unit lease terms, business rates and planning use for storage with your landlord and local council. Check insurance for your van, goods in transit and public liability, plus employer's liability if you hire. Also check the VAT threshold and record keeping.