Suppliers
Opening a Trade Account: What Grooming Suppliers Ask For
Grooming wholesalers usually ask for proof that you groom professionally, such as a qualification, insurance certificate, website or business registration. What to have ready, and what an account gets you.
How do you open a trade account with a grooming supplier?
Apply online with your business name, trading address, contact details and proof that you groom professionally. Suppliers commonly accept one or more of: a grooming qualification certificate, a public liability or CCC insurance certificate, a business website or listing, a Companies House number or a VAT number.
What does a trade account get you?
Trade prices, often well below retail on shampoos and consumables. Delivery thresholds, with free next-day delivery above a minimum order. Bulk sizes not sold to the public. Some suppliers offer credit terms, typically 30 days, once you have an ordering history, and invoices that show VAT separately for VAT-registered businesses.
What should you have ready?
Before applying, have these to hand: your trading name and, for a limited company, the registered name and number; a delivery address where someone can sign for parcels (a mobile groomer's home is fine); a business email address; a scan of a qualification certificate or insurance certificate; a website or listing link; and your VAT number if you have one. A mobile groomer can usually give a home address for delivery, but say it is a home, as some couriers handle residential deliveries differently.
Do you need to be VAT-registered?
No. Most grooming suppliers open accounts for sole traders below the £90,000 VAT threshold. If you are VAT-registered, prices may be shown ex VAT and you can reclaim the VAT on your return; if you are not, the price you pay includes VAT and you cannot reclaim it, so compare inc-VAT figures.
Can students and new groomers open an account?
Often, yes. Some suppliers offer student accounts or discounts to learners on recognised courses, on proof of enrolment. A new business without a website can usually use an insurance certificate or qualification instead. Ask before applying, as each supplier sets its own rules.
Common questions
Can sole traders open a trade account?
Yes. Most grooming suppliers accept sole traders with proof that they groom professionally.
What proof do grooming suppliers ask for?
Commonly a qualification certificate, an insurance certificate, a website, or a Companies House or VAT number.
Do trade accounts offer credit?
Some do, typically 30 days, once you have an ordering history.