Online canoe and kayak shop

Recreational paddlers, anglers, canoe clubs, scout groups and holiday-makers buying kit.

Profit on each sale, normally the gap between wholesale and retail price, plus delivery charges on bulky items. Helpful guides and reviews can bring in repeat buyers.

• Knowing paddlesports kit
• Online selling and basic website skills
• Stock and order organisation
• Customer service

• Consumer rules on distance selling, returns and refunds, check the current requirements
• Safety gear such as buoyancy aids must meet the relevant standards, check with suppliers and Trading Standards
• Delivery of long, bulky boats can be costly and easily damaged, so check courier options and insurance
• Product liability and public liability insurance, ask a broker what you need
• Register as a sole trader or company, and check when VAT registration applies

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £1,000 to £8,000, depending on your website, how much stock you hold and whether you use wholesalers or dropshipping. Holding little stock keeps the upfront spend lower.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around £300 to £4,000, depending on your product range, marketing and how quickly the shop builds a customer base. Delivery costs for bulky items can affect what you keep.

Check current consumer rules on distance selling, returns and refunds. Check that safety gear such as buoyancy aids meets the relevant standards, speak to Trading Standards, and ask a broker about insurance and when VAT registration applies.