Local bag wholesaler with a small unit and van

Convenience shops, takeaways, cafés, greengrocers, market traders, cleaning companies and small manufacturers.

Margin on bulk-bought stock sold in smaller quantities. Better prices from buying full pallets, plus regular delivery rounds, help your margins and bring repeat orders.

• Selling face to face and by phone
• Stock control and route planning
• Managing cash flow and supplier terms

• Check the carrier bag rules in your nation, including charging and any exemptions for your customers
• Check whether packaging producer responsibility (EPR) obligations or Plastic Packaging Tax apply, especially if you import directly
• Ask suppliers for documents for food-safe bags before selling them for food use
• Insurance for stock, public liability and your van, plus employer's liability if you hire
• Cash tied up in stock and customers paying late, so think carefully about credit terms
• Check the unit's permitted use and the lease terms before signing

Startup costs are typically around £10,000 to £40,000, depending on the unit, your van and how many pallets of stock you buy. These are estimates, so think carefully about cash tied up in stock and customer credit terms.

Monthly revenue is typically around £8,000 to £35,000, depending on your customer base, delivery area and product range. Estimates suggest at least 30 hours a week. Revenue is before stock, van and unit costs.

Check carrier bag rules in your nation, including charging and exemptions for customers, and whether packaging producer responsibility (EPR) or Plastic Packaging Tax applies, especially if you import. Ask suppliers for documents on food-safe bags, and check the unit's permitted use and lease terms.