FAQ hub
Trade buyer FAQs: beds, mattresses, standards and supply
Short answers to the questions UK trade buyers ask most, grouped by topic, each linking to a full guide. For account, payment and contract quote questions see the trade and contract buying FAQ; for anything else call 01924 950955 or email orders@flairbeds.co.uk.
Buying and selling as a retailer
Who can buy wholesale beds from Flair Trade?
Any UK business that buys beds or furniture for resale or business use, including shops, online and marketplace sellers, dropshippers, interior designers, landlords, letting agents and contract buyers. We check company and VAT details before approval. Read the full guide.
Can I see wholesale prices before I apply?
No. Trade prices are shown only to approved trade accounts. The catalogue, specifications and images are open to everyone, so you can plan a range before you apply for a trade account. Read the full guide.
How long does it take to apply?
The online application takes about two minutes. We then check your company and VAT details before switching your account on. Read the full guide.
Do I need a VAT number to become a stockist?
The application asks for your VAT number. If you are not VAT registered, call 01924 950955 to talk to the trade team before you apply. Read the full guide.
Is dropshipping beds profitable?
It can be, because you hold no stock. Your margin is your selling price minus the trade price and the dropship charge per item, both visible in your account before you order. Read the full guide.
How much does Flair charge to dropship?
The dropship charge per item is shown in your basket before you place the order. Log in or apply for a trade account to see it. Read the full guide.
Can I use Flair product images on my website?
Product images and image links are provided in the stock feed for trade customers to build listings. Ask your account manager if you need anything extra. Read the full guide.
Do Flair products have EANs?
The stock feed includes an EAN column for each SKU for marketplace matching. Read the full guide.
How often is the Flair stock feed updated?
Every 15 minutes, rebuilt from live warehouse stock. Read the full guide.
Is there a stock feed without a login?
Yes. A public price-free CSV is at www.flairbeds.co.uk/feeds/flair/StockFeed.csv. Read the full guide.
What is the cut-off for next day delivery?
12pm for in-stock lines, for next working day delivery to most UK mainland postcodes. Read the full guide.
Is collection free?
Yes. Collection from Headlands Road, Liversedge WF15 6QA is free with no minimum order. Read the full guide.
Safety standards and regulations
What is the British standard for bunk beds?
BS EN 747. Part 1 (BS EN 747-1:2024) sets safety, strength and durability requirements and Part 2 (EN 747-2:2024) sets the test methods. It covers bunk beds and high beds where the bed base is 600 mm or more above the floor. Read the full guide.
Do high sleepers have to meet BS EN 747?
High sleepers and mid sleepers with a bed base 600 mm or more above the floor fall within the scope of BS EN 747-1:2024 as high beds. Read the full guide.
Do mattresses need a fire label in the UK?
Mattresses and bed bases do not need the permanent "CARELESSNESS CAUSES FIRE" label required on upholstered furniture under the 1988 Regulations. They are tested to BS 7177, and many carry a label showing the BS 7177 category they meet. Read the full guide.
What fire standard do domestic mattresses meet?
Domestic mattresses are normally tested to BS 7177 Low Hazard, which means they resist a smouldering cigarette (BS EN 597-1) and a match-equivalent flame (BS EN 597-2). Read the full guide.
Is Crib 5 a legal requirement for hotels?
BS 7177 is a standard, not a law. Fire safety law requires a fire risk assessment for hotels and other non-domestic premises, and that assessment usually sets BS 7177 Medium Hazard (including Crib 5) for hotel mattresses. Some premises are assessed as High Hazard. Read the full guide.
What is the difference between Crib 5 and Crib 7?
Both are wooden crib ignition sources from BS 6807. Crib 7 is a larger source. BS 7177 Medium Hazard uses Crib 5; High and Very High Hazard use Crib 7. Read the full guide.
What does FSC certified mean on a bed?
The wood comes from FSC-certified sources and the supply chain holds FSC chain-of-custody certification, so the product can carry an FSC claim. Read the full guide.
Which Flair brand makes FSC-certified beds?
Noomi. Many Noomi solid wood kids' beds and furniture are FSC-certified; the product name shows it where it applies. Read the full guide.
Contract, hospitality and property
What fire rating does a hotel mattress need?
In the UK, hotel mattresses are usually specified to BS 7177 Medium Hazard, which includes the Crib 5 (ignition source 5) test. The fire risk assessment for your premises decides what applies, so check with your Responsible Person or insurer and tell us the requirement when you ask for a quote. Read the full guide.
Can I get a bulk quote for a hotel refit?
Yes. Send your room schedule, bed sizes, quantities and dates and we will reply with a written quote showing trade prices ex VAT, quantities per room type and delivery dates. You can request a contract quote. Read the full guide.
What is the minimum bedroom size in an HMO?
In England, for licensed HMOs, a room used for sleeping by one person over 10 must be at least 6.51 m², by two people over 10 at least 10.22 m², and by one child under 10 at least 4.64 m². Councils can set higher standards. Read the full guide.
Do landlords have to supply fire-safe furniture?
Yes. Furniture supplied in rented homes, including HMOs, must comply with the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988. Read the full guide.
What size bed is best for a student room?
A single (90 x 190 cm) is standard; a small double (120 x 190 cm) is a popular upgrade where the room allows. Read the full guide.
Do student halls need fire-retardant mattresses?
BS 7177 lists halls of residence as typical Medium Hazard premises, which includes the Crib 5 test. Confirm with your fire risk assessment. Read the full guide.
Do holiday lets need fire-safe furniture?
Yes. Furniture supplied in holiday lets should meet the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988, and the property needs a fire risk assessment, which may set a higher mattress rating. Read the full guide.
What mattress rating do holiday park lodges need?
BS 7177 lists holiday camp chalets as typical Medium Hazard premises, which includes Crib 5. Your fire risk assessment decides. Read the full guide.
Product know-how
What size is a UK double mattress?
135 x 190 cm, or 4ft 6in x 6ft 3in. Read the full guide.
What size is a UK king size mattress?
150 x 200 cm, or 5ft x 6ft 6in. A UK king is narrower than many European king sizes. Read the full guide.
Which mattress is best for an HMO or student room?
Open coil mattresses are a practical choice for high-turnover rooms, used with a waterproof protector. Pocket sprung or hybrid suit higher-spec rooms. Read the full guide.
What is the difference between open coil and pocket sprung?
Open coil springs are linked together in one unit. Pocket springs sit in individual fabric pockets, so each one moves more independently. Read the full guide.
What is the difference between a mid sleeper and a high sleeper?
A high sleeper is tall enough for a desk, sofa or wardrobe underneath. A mid sleeper sits lower, with play or storage space below. Read the full guide.
Are high sleepers safe for young children?
BS EN 747-1:2024 requires raised beds with a base 600 mm or more above the floor to carry a warning that they are not suitable for children under 6. Read the full guide.
What is an ottoman bed?
A bed whose mattress platform lifts on gas struts to give storage underneath. Read the full guide.
End lift or side lift: which is better?
End lift is the most common. Side lift suits beds placed against a wall or rooms where the foot of the bed is tight to furniture. Read the full guide.
Shop by category
All guides: Trade guides · Trade and contract FAQ · Trade FAQs · Sectors · Delivery
Flair Trade is a trading name of Flair Furniture Ltd, Old Delivery Office, Oldfield Lane, Heckmondwike, West Yorkshire WF16 0JD. Registered in England and Wales, company no. 7536751. VAT no. GB121713455.