Sciencemadness Discussion Board

Trying to start a catalysts business.

Swinfi2 - 17-12-2018 at 19:04

Recently I've been trying to start a business in the UK, my main goals would be relatively simple. I'm looking to sell catalysts of various types, stuff that could save you guys time/money.

1) Reasonable Shipping (IE not too hazardous)
2) Competitive Price
3) Useful to members here
4) Easy to use shop and eBay

So my main worry about this venture is how much interest there is out there? The prices I've found so far seem pretty high, sure you can make the things yourself cheaper but surely there is middle ground between?

Unit - Competition Price - Target Price /g
Platinum Black - £138.39 - £80.00
Palladium on Carbon (5%) - £6.54 - £6.00
Palladium on Carbon (10%) - £21.78 - £12.00
Palladium on Carbon (30%) - £65.40 - £36.00
Lindlar Catalyst (5% Pt) - £9.22 - £8.00
Raney Nickel (Pre-Activation) - £0.24 - £0.20

No idea yet on the pricing but I would branch out to other catalysts and such as need comes up, or by request (assuming its reasonable).

I'd also offer metal plating as I would already have the equipment and such to carry that out.

Just so you guys don't get excited I don't have anything yet to sell, I'm just seeing how viable this type of business is.

[Edited on 18-12-2018 by Swinfi2]

Sulaiman - 18-12-2018 at 02:33

I may buy a little Pd/C but not likely much or often.

Have you considered Pt, Pd and MMO electrode manufacture ?
I guess that you would get more global sales, at better profit margin,
and no arguments over the activity of your catalysts,
or the poisoning of them by your customers.

Loptr - 18-12-2018 at 03:14

I would love some cheap catalysts lol. I know that when I start using them I will likely destroy a bit at first by mishandling, so I have stayed away from expensive ones for the most part. If you can make them available for cheaper, I would most likely start to use them.

Ubya - 18-12-2018 at 03:18

i think your main costumers would be us, to sell to professional labs you would need certifications and strict quality controls. professional suppliers well established like sigma dominate the market, so i wouldn't make this a buisness but more like something between us in the forum and maybe on ebay. as sulaiman said cheap good quality electrodes are needed much more, and trusting chinese ebay sellers is a loss most of the time. for example i would be intrested in buying some platinum wire but the only source i found is ebay, and a 10mm wire (0.1mm in diameter) is around 8-9 dollars, way overpriced. i suggest to go for electrodes and small amount of catalysts but not as a buisness.

DavidJR - 18-12-2018 at 03:36

Quote: Originally posted by Ubya  
i think your main costumers would be us, to sell to professional labs you would need certifications and strict quality controls. professional suppliers well established like sigma dominate the market, so i wouldn't make this a buisness but more like something between us in the forum and maybe on ebay. as sulaiman said cheap good quality electrodes are needed much more, and trusting chinese ebay sellers is a loss most of the time. for example i would be intrested in buying some platinum wire but the only source i found is ebay, and a 10mm wire (0.1mm in diameter) is around 8-9 dollars, way overpriced. i suggest to go for electrodes and small amount of catalysts but not as a buisness.

I recently bought a small amount of platinum wire from a jewellery supplier.