Reselling branded products

[DSM]

Morning all,

I’m looking to sell standard “off the shelf” products and resell them (don’t be distracted by profit at this point). My question is what is the legality of this in the UK? Can you buy branded products from standard shops and resell them online?

Is that essentially what all shops do just on a larger wholesale scale?

 

[Adam]

I have to admit I don't know the legalities of such, hopefully someone will know and follow up. But there is certainly plenty of people doing it and reselling on amazon FBA, there is APP's available to help find cheap/on sale products in the shops, with cross checked prices on amazon inorder to ship them off and profit.

So im sure there is exceptions to the rule, but seems like it is viable.

 

[flexwebdev]

Nothing stops you to buy in bulk from providers and resell legally in the UK. I'd recommend setting up a Ltd company for that.

 

[DSM]

Nothing stops you to buy in bulk from providers and resell legally in the UK. I'd recommend setting up a Ltd company for that.

Is there a reason you recommend a ltd company rather than sole trader?

 

[flexwebdev]

You can start locally as a sole trader, the only reason I recommended a Ltd company is that it gives a more reliable image when dealing with international providers.

 

[DSM]

You can start locally as a sole trader, the only reason I recommended a Ltd company is that it gives a more reliable image when dealing with international providers.

Thanks for the quick response that’s a good to know. Initially I will be shipping within the uk only so will stick to being a sole trader for the time being but appreciate the reply.

 

[flexwebdev]

No worries. I run a Web Development Agency if you required any help with that. All the best!

 

[FriendsInvest]

Morning all,

I’m looking to sell standard “off the shelf” products and resell them (don’t be distracted by profit at this point). My question is what is the legality of this in the UK? Can you buy branded products from standard shops and resell them online?

Is that essentially what all shops do just on a larger wholesale scale?

Hey!

Absolutely—you can buy products from shops and resell them online in the UK. This is known as retail arbitrage, and it’s completely legal as long as you follow a few guidelines:

1. First Sale Doctrine: Once you buy a product, you’re free to resell it, as long as it’s genuine and unaltered.
2. Branding: Use the brand name to describe the product, but avoid any wording that suggests you’re an official reseller or affiliated with the brand.
3. Warranties: Be aware that manufacturers might not honour warranties on resold items—keep customers informed if that’s the case.
4. VAT & Tax: If your sales hit the VAT threshold, you’ll need to register for VAT. Good records will keep you compliant.

So yes, you’re good to go—just keep these points in mind, and you’re all set to start selling!

 

[FriendsInvest]

Thanks for the quick response that’s a good to know. Initially I will be shipping within the uk only so will stick to being a sole trader for the time being but appreciate the reply.

I agree that it can be beneficial from a professional perspective if dealing with companies but if your clients/customers are direct consumers, no need for that.

All you need is a legit website or social media presence to convey professionalism, not a "company badge" so to say!