Online screw and fixings supplier

Builders, joiners, electricians, landscapers and small workshops who want fixings delivered without a trip to the merchant.

The margin between your wholesale buying price and the shop price, with higher order values from bulk boxes, trade accounts and repeat customers.

• Knowing screw types, sizes and uses
• Organised stock control
• Packing and dispatch
• Basic online selling

• Thin margins, so check your costs for postage, packaging and marketplace fees before setting prices
• Boxes of screws are heavy, so check courier weight pricing
• Check any wholesaler terms on reselling and minimum order values
• Check if you need to register for VAT as your turnover grows
• Check whether your home insurance or lease allows storing stock and sending out parcels from home
• Consider product liability cover, and check that fixings meet any stated standards for the job

Startup costs are typically around £1,000 to £5,000, depending on how much stock you buy, your packaging and the online selling setup you choose. Treat this as an estimate and check your postage and marketplace fees.

Monthly revenue is typically around £500 to £3,500, depending on your range, pack sizes and how many trade customers you win. Margins are thin, so check postage, packaging and marketplace costs before setting prices.

Check any wholesaler terms on reselling and minimum order values, and whether you need to register for VAT as turnover grows. Check your home insurance or lease allows storing stock and sending parcels, and consider product liability cover.