Retail business ideas you can start for up to £20,000

254 ideas

This page brings together 254 retail ideas with start-up costs of up to £20,000. They suit people who want to sell physical products without taking on a high street lease, whether that means running an online shop, trading at events or supplying other businesses.

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Under 1k1k to 5kOver 20kFrom homeOut and aboutOwn premisesOnline
Jars of dried herbs and teas on shelves in a traditional remedy shop.

Online East Asian herbs and teas store

Sell teas, herbs and wellness products from East Asian traditions through your own website, run from home.

  • £1.5k-7k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
2,916 UK companies in this field, 25% registered in the last 2 years
Shelves of motorcycle parts, helmets and gear in a shop.

Online motorcycle parts and kit shop

Sell parts, accessories and riding gear to riders online, from a spare room or garage.

  • £1k-8k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
3,631 UK companies in this field, 28% registered in the last 2 years
Tailcoats and evening gowns displayed on a rack in a formal wear rental shop.

Dress and formalwear hire from home

Hire out gowns, prom dresses and formal outfits by appointment from a spare room, with a small, carefully chosen collection.

  • £1.5k-7k
  • Side hustle
  • From home
1,108 UK companies in this field, 41% registered in the last 2 years
Built-in kitchen units and wardrobes being fitted in a modern home interior.

Fitted wardrobe and kitchen design-and-supply service

Design and sell fitted wardrobes, kitchens and storage from home, using trade suppliers and local fitters.

  • £1.5k-6k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
3,382 UK companies in this field, 34% registered in the last 2 years
Bundles of human hair extensions arranged on a display table.

Hair extensions supplier to salons

Supply hairdressers and extension specialists with bulk hair, bonds and tools, delivered or sold on visits.

  • £2k-8k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about
8,575 UK companies in this field, 46% registered in the last 2 years
Woven tatami mats covering the floor of a traditional Japanese-style room.

Online tatami and Japanese flooring shop

Sell tatami mats and matching flooring online to homeowners, yoga fans and Japanese-style interior projects.

  • £1.5k-7.5k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
5,253 UK companies in this field, 21% registered in the last 2 years
Flooring showroom displaying carpet, laminate and tile samples for customers to browse.

Mobile flooring sales with samples

Take flooring samples to customers' homes, measure up and order direct from suppliers, with no shop rent.

  • £3k-12k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about
5,253 UK companies in this field, 21% registered in the last 2 years
Drawing board with set squares, scales and pens on a desk.

Online drafting and technical drawing shop

Sell drawing boards, scale rules and technical pens to architecture and engineering students and professionals online.

  • £1.5k-6k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
2,265 UK companies in this field, 25% registered in the last 2 years
Assorted loose gemstones arranged on a dealer's velvet tray.

Gemstone dealer at fairs and shows

Take a stock of loose stones to gem, mineral and jewellery fairs and sell to collectors and makers face to face.

  • £2k-10k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
8,496 UK companies in this field, 37% registered in the last 2 years
Wine bottles displayed on shelves in an independent wine shop.

Online wine shop with local delivery

Sell a focused range of wines through your own website, with delivery or collection, and no high street rent.

  • £4k-20k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
5,349 UK companies in this field, 33% registered in the last 2 years
Colourful paint tins and brushes displayed on shelves in a decorating supply shop.

Online specialist paint shop

Sell a focused range of paints and decorating supplies online, such as furniture or eco paints, with delivery to customers.

  • £1.5k-8k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
3,482 UK companies in this field, 22% registered in the last 2 years
Watchmaker repairing a wristwatch under a loupe with small tools.

Watch repair shop or kiosk

Run a small shop, kiosk or shared counter where walk-in customers get quick battery, strap and repair jobs.

  • £3k-15k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
1,144 UK companies in this field, 32% registered in the last 2 years
Finished leather bags and belts packed and stacked in a supplier's storeroom.

Online trade supplier of leather goods

Source bags, belts and wallets from makers and sell them in bulk to shops and resellers through a trade website.

  • £1.5k-6k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
15,000 UK companies in this field, 42% registered in the last 2 years

Leather goods supplier to independent shops

Carry a sample range of leather goods and supply gift shops, boutiques and visitor attractions in your region.

  • £2k-8k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about
15,000 UK companies in this field, 42% registered in the last 2 years
Rows of cleaning product bottles and drums stacked in a chemical distribution warehouse.

Local cleaning supplies delivery round

Buy cleaning products in bulk and deliver them to local cleaners, B&Bs, shops and offices.

  • £3k-15k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about
2,599 UK companies in this field, 25% registered in the last 2 years
Dried Chinese herbs and teas in wooden drawers in a traditional apothecary shop.

Online Chinese herbs and teas store

Sell Chinese herbal teas and natural wellbeing products online from home, with no shop rent to pay.

  • £1.5k-6k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
2,916 UK companies in this field, 25% registered in the last 2 years
Model trains, track and scenery accessories displayed in a railway hobby shop.

Online model railway shop

Sell model trains, track and scenery to UK hobbyists through your own website and online marketplaces.

  • £1.5k-8k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
4,843 UK companies in this field, 48% registered in the last 2 years
Customers browsing laptops and desktop computers displayed in a bright computer store.

Online computer and parts seller

Sell computers, components and accessories online from home, with setup and advice for customers.

  • £1k-8k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
3,880 UK companies in this field, 37% registered in the last 2 years
Wigs on mannequin heads displayed on shelves in a styling shop.

Private wig fitting studio at home

Fit and style wigs by appointment in a private space at home, ideal for customers who want a calm, discreet service.

  • £1.5k-6k
  • Side hustle
  • From home
10,030 UK companies in this field, 47% registered in the last 2 years
Colourful spools of sewing thread arranged on a shop display.

Trade thread supplier for makers and workshops

Supply cones of industrial thread to small factories, upholsterers, alteration shops and craft businesses.

  • £3k-15k
  • Part-time
  • Own premises
4,072 UK companies in this field, 29% registered in the last 2 years
Installer fitting rows of commercial seating in a public venue.

Commercial seating supply and fit

Supply and install seating for halls, clubs, churches, schools and small venues, working from a van.

  • £3k-15k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about
936 UK companies in this field, 39% registered in the last 2 years
Shopper browsing a display of chocolates in a retail confectionery shop.

Online chocolate gift shop

Sell curated chocolate boxes and gift sets online and post them to customers across the UK.

  • £1.5k-7k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
7,128 UK companies in this field, 39% registered in the last 2 years
Guitars, keyboards and sheet music displayed in a musical instrument store.

Online specialist instrument shop

Sell accessories, sheet music or a niche range of instruments online from home, without paying for a shop.

  • £1k-8k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
935 UK companies in this field, 22% registered in the last 2 years
Buyer examining gold and diamond jewellery with a loupe at a counter.

Diamond and gold buyer, by post or appointment

Buy unwanted diamonds, gold and jewellery by post or by appointment, then sell on to dealers or refiners.

  • £2k-12k
  • Side hustle
  • From home
8,496 UK companies in this field, 37% registered in the last 2 years

About these ideas

You might look at an online wine shop with local delivery, a western wear stall at shows and events, or an online fishing tackle store. Before you choose, think about where your stock will be stored, how much cash it will tie up and who your repeat customers will be. Check supplier terms, margins after delivery and returns, and whether your product needs any licences or safety checks. Start with a niche you already understand, because specialist knowledge often matters more than a bigger budget.

More ideas

Questions

How much stock should I buy when starting a retail business?

Start with a small range you can afford to replace quickly. Check supplier minimum orders, delivery times and payment terms, and work out how long money will be tied up in stock before you commit to larger quantities.

Do I need a licence to sell certain products in the UK?

It depends on what you sell. Items such as alcohol, electronics and some children's products may carry licensing, safety or labelling requirements. Check with your local council, Trading Standards and GOV.UK before you buy stock or start trading.

Is an online shop or a market stall better for a small budget?

Both can work, so compare the costs. Online shops need website, marketing and delivery costs, while stalls involve pitch fees, travel and weather. Consider where your customers are, how much time you have and whether you need insurance or permissions.