Online rare and antiquarian book dealer

Private collectors, libraries, universities and other dealers, mostly buying through online marketplaces, your own website or emailed catalogues.

You sell each book for more than you paid, based on condition, rarity and demand. Regular catalogues to repeat customers can bring in larger sales.

• Knowledge of a book niche
• Careful cataloguing and description
• Photography and basic online selling
• Patience when sourcing stock

• Mistakes in dating, authenticity or condition can lead to returns and complaints, so describe books cautiously
• Stock ties up cash and can take months to sell, so buy carefully
• Check whether you need home insurance cover for stock stored at home, and permission from your landlord or mortgage lender if relevant
• Register as a sole trader with HMRC and keep records of purchases and sales
• Check the rules on selling to consumers online, including returns rights

Startup costs are typically around £1,000 to £5,000, depending on how much stock you buy and the cataloguing and photography set-up you need. Buy carefully, as stock ties up cash.

Monthly revenue is typically around £300 to £2,500, depending on your niche, the books you sell and how quickly stock moves. These are estimates of revenue, not profit, and stock can take months to sell.

Check the rules on selling to consumers online, including returns rights, and register as a sole trader with HMRC. Also check home insurance for stock stored at home, plus permission from your landlord or mortgage lender, and describe books cautiously.