Start an online barber supply shop

Self-employed barbers, barbershop owners, hairdressers, barbering students and men who groom at home.

You buy at trade prices and sell at a mark-up. Repeat orders for blades, neck strips and styling products help keep sales steady.

• Knowing barber tools and what barbers like to use
• Basic website and social media skills
• Stock and order management

• Register as a sole trader or limited company and check when you need to register for VAT
• Check product safety and labelling rules for electrical items and cosmetic or styling products you sell
• Check you are allowed to sell certain brands, as some manufacturers restrict who can resell them
• Check consumer rights rules on returns and refunds for online sales
• Large online retailers can undercut you, so think about a niche or local service

Startup costs are estimates, typically around £500 to £5,000, depending on how much stock you hold yourself and whether suppliers send orders direct to your customers. Website and marketing choices will also affect the total.

Monthly revenue is typically around £500 to £5,000 as an estimate, depending on your product range, niche and how much effort you put into marketing. Large online retailers can undercut prices, so a clear niche matters.

Check how to register as a sole trader or limited company and when you need to register for VAT. Also check product safety and labelling rules for electrical and styling products, brand resale restrictions, and consumer rights on returns and refunds.