Online central vacuum kits and parts shop

DIY homeowners, self-builders, small builders and installers, and owners of existing systems needing parts.

Margin on products sold, plus delivery charges. Filters, bags and replacement hoses bring repeat orders. You can also offer paid design advice or a plan for the pipe layout.

• Understanding how central vacuum systems work
• Online selling and product listings
• Customer support by phone or email
• Stock and order handling

• Distance selling rules: check customer rights on returns and refunds
• Product liability and electrical product safety requirements for imported units, so check compliance and markings
• Product liability insurance
• Heavy and bulky items are costly to ship and return
• Customers fitting units themselves may need an electrician, so make this clear in your advice

Startup costs are typically around £1,500 to £8,000, depending on how much stock you hold and your website setup. This is an estimate, so price your initial range of units, hoses and parts before you begin.

Monthly revenue is typically around £500 to £4,000, depending on your range and how many customers you reach. Heavy, bulky items are costly to ship and return, which can affect what you keep.

Check distance selling rules on returns and refunds, and electrical product safety requirements, compliance and markings for imported units. Check product liability insurance too, and make clear that customers fitting units themselves may need an electrician.