Window and glazing trade counter

Glaziers, builders, window fitters and joiners, and some property owners and landlords.

You sell stock and special orders at a mark-up on trade prices. Repeat trade accounts, often on credit terms, bring regular income.

• Stock control and buying
• Product knowledge of glass, frames and fittings
• Customer service for trade buyers
• Safe handling of heavy and fragile items

• Rent, business rates and stock tie up money before sales build up, so work out your break-even point first
• Glass is heavy and breakable, so check manual handling, storage and safe racking requirements
• Public liability, product liability, stock and buildings or contents insurance, and employer's liability once you hire
• Check that products meet current UK standards and carry the right marking
• Offering credit to trade customers risks late payment, so run credit checks and agree terms in writing
• Check planning use class and any lease restrictions for the unit with your council

Startup costs are typically around £20,000 to £100,000, depending on your unit, how much stock you buy, racking and insurance. Rent, business rates and stock tie up money before sales build, so work out your break-even point first.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £15,000 to £60,000, depending on your range, how many trade customers use you and how often they buy. Late payment from trade credit accounts can affect your cash flow.

Check manual handling, storage and safe racking for heavy, breakable glass. Check products meet current UK standards and carry the right marking, and the planning use class and lease restrictions with your council. Run credit checks and agree trade credit terms in writing.