Online bead and findings supplier

Jewellery makers, craft sellers, hobbyists, craft class teachers and small gift shops or boutiques that want to restock at trade prices.

You earn the margin between your bulk buying price and your pack or trade price. Minimum order values and repeat customers help cover postage and packing time.

• Spotting trends in beads and jewellery styles
• Organised stock handling and packing
• Basic online selling and photography
• Negotiating with suppliers

• Importing from outside the UK can mean customs duty, import VAT and delays, so check the current rules on GOV.UK
• Jewellery findings and children's craft items may need to meet product safety rules, for example on nickel, lead or cadmium and small parts, so check what applies
• Hallmarking rules apply if you sell items made of precious metals, so check before stocking silver or gold products
• Distance selling rules on returns and refunds apply to online sales to consumers, so check what applies to you
• Stock tied up in slow-selling lines can hurt cash flow, so start small
• Check whether you need to register for VAT as turnover grows
• Check with your landlord, lender or council if storing a lot of stock at home

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around £1,000 to £6,000, depending on how much stock you buy in, how you set up your website or marketplace shop, and the storage and packing supplies you need.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £500 to £4,000, depending on your product range, your prices, and how many makers and small shops you reach. The idea suggests at least 8 hours a week.

Check customs duty and import VAT if importing, and product safety rules for jewellery findings and children's craft items. Check hallmarking if stocking precious metals, distance selling rules on returns, and whether you need to register for VAT.