Online trade supplier of niche plastic goods

Small manufacturers, shops, cafes, workshops, market traders and online sellers who want trade prices and reliable repeat supply.

You earn the margin between your bulk buying price and your trade price. Minimum order quantities and repeat orders help your margin per order.

• Negotiating with suppliers
• Spotting what a niche needs
• Organised stock and order handling
• Clear communication with trade customers

• Check whether your products need safety or food-contact compliance information, and ask suppliers for it in writing
• Check the packaging waste and producer responsibility rules if you supply or sell packaging
• Imported goods may bring customs duty, VAT and longer delays, so check the costs before ordering
• Cash tied up in stock, and customers who pay late if you offer credit terms
• Check with your landlord, mortgage lender or council before storing stock at home
• Consider product liability and public liability insurance

Startup costs are typically estimated at around £1,000 to £5,000, depending on how much stock you buy and whether suppliers dispatch for you. Cash tied up in stock is a key thing to watch, so plan your ordering carefully.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £1,000 to £6,000, depending on your niche, your prices and how many repeat trade customers you win. That is revenue, not profit, so allow for stock, delivery and other costs.

Check whether your products need safety or food-contact compliance information, and ask suppliers for it in writing. Also check packaging waste and producer responsibility rules if you supply packaging, and the customs duty and VAT on imported goods.