Online power tool and trade supplies shop

Self-employed tradespeople, small building firms and keen DIYers who want good prices and quick delivery.

You earn the margin between your buying price and selling price. Bundles, accessories and repeat orders from regular trade customers help raise the value of each order.

• Knowing tools and what trades need
• Online selling and customer service
• Organised stock and order handling

• Consumer and distance selling rules on returns and refunds, check what applies to trade and consumer sales
• Product safety and marking requirements (UKCA or CE) for electrical tools, check with your supplier and Trading Standards
• Thin margins against large suppliers, so work out your costs before committing to stock
• Product liability and stock insurance, and whether battery shipping has extra rules with couriers
• Register as a sole trader or limited company, and check when VAT registration applies

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £800 to £4,000, depending on whether you hold some stock yourself or have suppliers send orders direct to customers. Work out your costs before committing to stock, as margins can be thin.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £600 to £3,000, depending on your product range, pricing and how well you reach tradespeople. You will be up against large suppliers, so thin margins are a risk to plan for.

Check consumer and distance selling rules on returns and refunds for trade and consumer sales. Check product safety and marking (UKCA or CE) for electrical tools with your supplier and Trading Standards, and when VAT registration applies.