Niche wholesaler selling to independent shops

Independent shops, gift shops, garden centres, cafes, salons and small online sellers who want a reliable supplier.

You buy at a trade price and sell at a higher wholesale price, with minimum order values. The margin on each item is small, so repeat orders from the same shops matter most.

• Negotiating with suppliers
• Selling to businesses
• Stock and order tracking
• Spotting products shops want

• Product safety and labelling rules for what you sell, check what applies to your goods before buying
• Import duties, VAT and customs paperwork if you buy from abroad
• Cash tied up in stock, so start small and avoid over-ordering
• Offering credit terms to shops can lead to late or unpaid invoices
• Check whether your landlord, mortgage lender or insurer allows stock to be stored at home
• Public liability and product liability insurance, plus cover for your stock
• Some goods, such as alcohol, tobacco or food, have extra registration or licence rules, check before you start

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £2,000 to £10,000, depending on the product range, how much stock you buy in bulk and your insurance. Starting small helps avoid over-ordering and cash tied up in stock.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue is typically around £1,500 to £7,500, depending on your niche, order sizes and how many shops you supply. This is revenue, so the cost of stock comes out of it.

Check product safety and labelling rules for your goods, plus import duties, VAT and customs paperwork if you buy from abroad. Some goods, such as alcohol, tobacco or food, have extra rules. Also check insurance and whether you can store stock at home.