How to start a local carrier and packaging bag supply business

Independent shops, takeaways, cafes, restaurants, market traders and small manufacturers who use bags every day.

You sell at a margin above your bulk price, usually by the box or pack. Regular reorders from the same customers give steady income.

• Selling and building relationships
• Keeping track of stock and orders
• Reliable delivery and good timekeeping

• Public liability insurance, plus goods in transit and stock cover
• Carrier bag charging rules differ across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, so check what your customers must follow
• Bags that touch food should be suitable for food contact, so ask suppliers for the paperwork
• Plastic packaging tax may apply to manufacturers and importers, so check with HMRC if you plan to import directly
• Check whether you can store stock at home with your landlord, mortgage lender or insurer
• Many customers will want recycled, paper or compostable options, so keep a range

Startup costs are estimated at typically around £1,500 to £8,000, depending on how much stock you buy in bulk, where you store it and the vehicle and insurance you need for deliveries.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around £1,500 to £7,500, depending on how many regular customers you win, the bag types you sell and how large their orders are. That is revenue before stock costs.

Carrier bag charging rules differ across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, so check what your customers must follow. Ask suppliers for food-contact paperwork, check plastic packaging tax with HMRC if you import directly, and check your insurance cover.