Online bag and packaging trade supplier

Small shops, takeaways, market traders, online sellers, cleaning firms and other small businesses that buy bags regularly.

You earn the margin between your bulk buying price and your trade price per box or pack. Repeat orders and higher quantities matter more than any single sale.

• Comparing supplier prices and negotiating
• Basic bookkeeping and stock tracking
• Online selling and customer service

• Check the rules on carrier bags in your nation, as charges and exemptions differ and apply to sellers of bags to customers
• Check whether packaging producer responsibility (EPR) reporting or fees apply to you, and whether any Plastic Packaging Tax duties apply if you import
• Food-contact bags may need proper supplier documentation, so ask suppliers for it
• Thin margins and tied-up cash in stock, so start small
• Check your landlord, mortgage lender or insurer allows stock stored at home, and consider stock and public liability insurance

Startup costs are typically around £1,500 to £8,000, depending on how much stock you buy, your website or marketplace set-up and your storage. These are estimates, and starting small helps because cash gets tied up in stock.

Monthly revenue is typically around £1,500 to £7,500, depending on your product range, pricing and how many regular trade customers you win. Estimates suggest at least 10 hours a week. Margins can be thin.

Check carrier bag rules in your nation, whether packaging producer responsibility (EPR) reporting or fees apply, and any Plastic Packaging Tax duties if you import. For food-contact bags, ask suppliers for proper documentation.