Niche surgical supplies reseller, run from home

Private clinics, cosmetic and dental practices, veterinary surgeries, care providers and day-surgery units that buy regularly.

You buy at trade or bulk prices and sell at a margin. Repeat orders and supply agreements with a handful of regular customers are the main earner.

• Building trade relationships
• Careful record keeping
• Understanding product specifications
• Reliable customer service

• Medical device rules: check with the MHRA what applies to the products you sell and whether you need to register
• Check that each product carries the right UK marking and that you can keep traceability records
• Sterile products may have storage and handling conditions, so check before keeping stock at home
• Public liability and product liability insurance, which may be needed before suppliers or customers will deal with you
• Selling to the NHS usually goes through approved frameworks, so private buyers are an easier start
• Check whether your landlord, mortgage lender or council allows storing stock at home

Startup costs are estimates, typically around £2,000 to £10,000, depending on your product niche, any stock you hold, insurance and set-up of your ordering and record-keeping. Supplier shipping direct may keep stock costs lower.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £1,000 to £6,000, depending on your niche, how many private clinics you win as regular buyers and order sizes. Around 15 hours a week or more is a typical starting point.

Check with the MHRA what applies to your products and whether you need to register. Check each product carries the right UK marking, that you can keep traceability records, and the storage conditions for sterile items before keeping stock at home.