Start an online art supply shop

Hobby painters, art students, parents buying for children, craft groups and local artists who want a specialist range.

Retail margin on each item sold, plus higher-value bundles such as starter sets and gift boxes. Postage can be charged or built into prices.

• Knowledge of art materials
• Stock and order management
• Basic online marketing and product photography

• Register as a sole trader or limited company and check whether you need to register for VAT as sales grow
• Check consumer rules for online sales, such as returns and clear product information
• Some products, such as certain solvents or aerosols, may have shipping or safety restrictions, so check with suppliers and couriers
• Stock tied up in slow-moving lines can strain cash flow, so start small

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £1,000 to £6,000, depending on the range you stock and how you build your shop. Starting small with a focused niche helps limit the cash tied up in slow-moving stock.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue of typically around £300 to £3,000, depending on your niche, range and how well you market it. That is revenue rather than profit, and you can start at around 8 hours a week.

Check whether to register as a sole trader or limited company, and when VAT registration applies as sales grow. Also check consumer rules on returns and product information, and shipping restrictions on items such as certain solvents or aerosols.