Home-Based Tea Export Trader

Overseas importers, wholesalers, specialist food shops, cafes and hotel buyers who want British-blended or specialist teas.

You sell at a mark-up on what you pay your supplier, per case or pallet. You can add a fee for private-label packing or for arranging shipping.

• Finding and negotiating with buyers and suppliers
• Careful paperwork and organisation
• Knowledge of tea types and quality
• Clear email communication across time zones

• Import rules, labelling and tariffs in each destination country, check these before you quote
• You may need an EORI number and export declarations, check current HMRC guidance
• Payment risk: consider part payment upfront, trade credit insurance or a letter of credit
• Goods in transit insurance and who carries the risk under your shipping terms
• If you store or repack tea yourself, check whether you must register as a food business with your local council
• Margins can be thin once shipping is included, so work out full costs per case first

Startup costs are typically around £1,500 to £7,500, depending on the stock you buy, shipping and insurance. These are estimates, so work out the full cost per case, including shipping, before you place your first order.

Monthly revenue is typically around £1,000 to £5,000, depending on order sizes and your margins. Margins can be thin once shipping is included. The estimate assumes at least 10 hours of work a week.

Check import rules, labelling and tariffs in each destination country before you quote. You may need an EORI number and export declarations, so check current HMRC guidance. If you store or repack tea, check whether you must register as a food business with your council.