Online and fair antiques dealer

Collectors, home decorators, gift buyers and people looking for period pieces, whether in the UK or overseas.

The margin between what you pay for an item and what you sell it for, after costs such as fees, postage and fair pitch fees.

• Knowing a specialist area well, such as ceramics, silver or vintage toys
• Good eye for condition and value
• Clear photography and honest descriptions
• Packing and posting fragile items

• Fakes, reproductions and misdescribed items, so check provenance and be honest about condition
• Rules on ivory, rhino horn and some other restricted materials, check the current UK law before buying or selling
• Rules on items such as firearms, antique weapons and hallmarked metals, check what applies
• Public liability insurance for fairs, and cover for stock in storage and in transit
• Keep records of what you buy and sell, and check whether you need to register as a sole trader with HMRC
• Check whether you can store stock at home under your tenancy, mortgage or insurance

Startup costs are typically around £500 to £3,000, depending on the stock you buy, your packing supplies and any fair fees. These are estimates, so set a stock budget you can afford to tie up.

Monthly revenue is typically around £300 to £2,500, depending on what you buy, how well you sell it and how often you trade. This is an estimate, and the idea assumes at least about 8 hours a week.

Check the current UK law on ivory, rhino horn and other restricted materials, and rules on items such as firearms, antique weapons and hallmarked metals. Also check insurance for fairs and stock, and whether you can store stock at home.