Online aquatic supplies shop

Hobbyists who keep tropical, coldwater or marine fish and want specialist products delivered.

Profit on each item sold, usually the gap between wholesale and retail price, plus delivery charges. Repeat orders for food and water treatments help build steady sales.

• Good knowledge of fishkeeping
• Basic online selling and photography
• Organised stock and order handling

• Check whether your landlord, mortgage lender or council allows storing and posting stock from home
• Public liability and product liability insurance are worth checking
• Live fish and plants have extra rules on transport and welfare, so start with dry goods and check the rules before selling livestock
• Some water treatments and chemicals have labelling and postage restrictions, so check with your wholesaler and courier
• Large marketplaces and big pet retailers compete hard on price

Startup costs are typically around £500 to £3,000, depending on how much stock you buy, your website or marketplace set-up and any packaging supplies. These are estimates, and a narrow niche range can help you keep initial spending lower.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £300 to £2,500, depending on your range, pricing and how much traffic you attract. This is revenue rather than profit, and large marketplaces and pet retailers compete hard on price.

Check whether your landlord, mortgage lender or council allows storing and posting stock from home. Live fish and plants have extra transport and welfare rules, so start with dry goods. Also check labelling and postage limits on water treatments and chemicals.