Online car parts and accessories shop

Home mechanics and everyday drivers who want to fit parts themselves, plus owners of one popular make or type of car.

You earn the margin between your buying price and selling price on each part, plus delivery charges. A narrow range, such as one make or type of part, helps you stand out.

• Knowing cars and how parts fit
• Careful with part numbers and compatibility
• Online selling and customer service

• Wrong-part returns can eat into profit, so check fitment details carefully
• Distance selling rules on returns and refunds, check the current consumer rules
• Safety-critical parts such as brakes and tyres, check product liability and insurance cover
• Storing stock at home may need permission from a landlord or mortgage lender
• Check whether you need to register for VAT as sales grow

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £1,000 to £5,000, depending on the range you stock, your website set-up and whether you hold stock or ship direct from suppliers. Get your own quotes before you commit.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £500 to £4,000, depending on your range, pricing and how well you reach drivers. Revenue is not profit, and wrong-part returns can eat into what you keep.

Check distance selling rules on returns and refunds under the current consumer rules. For safety-critical parts such as brakes and tyres, check product liability and insurance cover. Also check whether you need to register for VAT as sales grow, and permission to store stock at home.