Start an online trade tool supplier for one niche

Self-employed tradespeople, small building firms, independent hardware shops and online sellers who want a reliable supplier for a specific range.

You earn the gap between your bulk buying price and your trade price. Volume discounts for repeat buyers and bundled kits can raise the order value.

• Sales and negotiating with suppliers
• Stock and order organisation
• Knowing what a particular trade needs
• Basic website or marketplace selling

• Cash tied up in stock, so start small and track what sells
• Product safety rules for power tools and plugs, check UK marking requirements with your supplier or Trading Standards
• If you import, check customs, import duty and VAT rules, and whether electrical equipment rules (such as WEEE) apply to you
• Counterfeit or poor quality stock, buy only from suppliers you can verify
• Public liability and product liability insurance, plus stock cover if you store it at home (check your policy and any landlord or mortgage rules)
• VAT registration once your turnover passes the threshold

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £3,000 to £15,000, depending on how much stock you buy in bulk, where you store it and how you set up your website or marketplace selling.

Check UK marking and product safety rules for power tools and plugs with your supplier or Trading Standards. If you import, check customs, import duty, VAT and electrical equipment rules such as WEEE. Check when VAT registration applies to you.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue of typically around £2,000 to £10,000, depending on your chosen trade, range and pricing. Cash is tied up in stock, so start small. The estimates assume at least around 15 hours a week.