Start an online belt shop

Shoppers looking for a belt to match an outfit, people buying gifts, and customers after a hard-to-find size or style.

You buy belts wholesale and sell them at a higher price. Extra income can come from gift bundles, personalised buckles bought in from suppliers, and selling multiple belts per order.

• Choosing products that sell
• Basic photography and product descriptions
• Order handling and customer service

• Online sales are covered by consumer rules, such as the right to cancel and return, so check what applies to you
• Sell only genuine or unbranded stock, as copies of branded belts can breach trademark law
• Describe materials accurately, for example do not call something leather if it is not
• Stock tied up in unsold sizes and styles, so start small
• Check VAT registration thresholds as your sales grow

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £500 to £2,500, depending on how much stock you buy and how you set up your shop. Starting small helps avoid cash being tied up in unsold sizes and styles.

Monthly revenue is typically around £300 to £2,000, depending on your niche, product range and number of orders. That is revenue before stock, postage and other costs. Estimates suggest allowing at least 8 hours a week.

Things to check include consumer rules such as the right to cancel and return, accurate material descriptions (do not call something leather if it is not), selling only genuine or unbranded stock to avoid trademark problems, and VAT registration thresholds as sales grow.