Local plastic products trade supplier with a unit

Local manufacturers, builders, caterers, retailers, farms and packers who need regular supplies at short notice.

You buy in bulk at a lower price and sell in smaller quantities at a margin. Repeat accounts, delivery charges and bundled ranges add to your income.

• Sales and building trade relationships
• Stock control and buying
• Basic bookkeeping and credit control
• Safe lifting and van driving

• Check the unit's permitted use, business rates and lease terms before signing
• Check the fire safety and storage rules for plastic stock
• Public liability, product liability and stock and buildings insurance; employer's liability once you hire
• Check packaging waste and producer responsibility rules if you supply packaging
• Cash tied up in stock and customers who pay late if you offer credit terms
• Large customers may be able to buy direct from manufacturers at lower prices

Startup costs are typically estimated at around £10,000 to £40,000, depending on the unit you rent and how much stock you hold. Cash tied up in stock and late-paying customers are worth planning for before you commit.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £8,000 to £40,000, depending on your product range, local demand and how many regular trade customers you build. Revenue is not profit, so allow for rent, stock and running costs.

Check the unit's permitted use, business rates and lease terms before signing, plus fire safety and storage rules for plastic stock. Also check packaging waste rules if you supply packaging, and which insurance you need, including employer's liability once you hire.