Online boutique with pop-up stalls

Shoppers who want something different from the high street, often in a particular style, age group or niche.

You buy stock at wholesale prices and sell at a mark-up. Market days and online orders both bring in sales, and you pay no shop rent.

• A good eye for style and what your customers want
• Social media and photography basics
• Stock buying and budgeting

• Unsold stock ties up cash, so start with small orders
• Distance selling rules mean customers can usually return online orders, so check the current requirements and set a clear returns policy
• Public liability insurance, which markets often ask for
• Check the product safety and labelling rules for clothing, especially children's items
• Market pitch fees and any council trading rules for street or pop-up trading

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around £1,000 to £5,000, depending on your opening stock, website, photography and stall equipment. Unsold stock ties up cash, so starting with small orders is worth considering.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £400 to £3,000, depending on your range, online reach and how many markets and events you attend. Estimates suggest at least around 8 hours a week, with a good eye for style and basic social media skills.

Check the current distance selling requirements and set a clear returns policy, as customers can usually return online orders. Also check public liability insurance, product safety and labelling rules for clothing (especially children's items), market pitch fees and council trading rules.