Can any small business setup a trade account with a supplier - for example Zyro/madison etc?
Not in the trade, but I'd imagine you'd have to have premises.
I suspect you may need to commit to a certain level of spend.
Interested to know though as I've just set up my own business.
I think the main criteria is bricks and mortar shop...(some co's need a photo) and some kinda trading history...call company and get the rep to visit...simples!
you need a separate business premises, be able to fulfill certain quantities and have references from previous/other suppliers. Being VAT registered helps massively too.
They may treat credit trade accounts differently to paid-up-front trade accounts?
I only wish it was as simple as getting reps to visit, certain reps have promised to call but haven't shown, one rep enquired with a competitor before contacting us (even though we'd been waiting over a week for his callback).
Some companies have been very very helpful but all have required evidence of premises and most have a minimum spend for your first order.
If you can deal with Madison it will the best company you can deal with...they do literally everything!
It took us 6 months to get a Madison account and we had a real shop the whole time. Some are easier than others of course. You could probably get cheaper prices than trade anyhow as a consumer!
I think Madison delay opening new accounts on account if them being quite sensible about planning and growth etc.
RR - I have access to a trade account. It depends what you want to use it for really!