Online children's clothes and toys shop

Parents, grandparents and gift buyers looking for something more distinctive than the big high street chains.

You sell items at a mark-up on what you paid wholesale. Extra income can come from gift sets, bundles and repeat customers.

• Choosing products parents will want
• Basic website or marketplace set-up
• Photos and product descriptions
• Packing and posting orders on time

• Toy and children's clothing safety rules, check the UK product safety requirements (such as UKCA or CE marking and labelling) for what you sell
• Consumer rights for online sales, including the 14-day cancellation period and refunds, check GOV.UK or Trading Standards guidance
• Unsold stock tying up your money, start with a small range
• Register as a sole trader with HMRC and check when VAT registration applies
• Check whether you need permission to store stock at home from your landlord or mortgage lender

Startup costs are typically around £500 to £5,000, depending on how much stock you buy and how you build your shop or use marketplaces. These are estimates. Starting with a small range can help avoid tying up your money in unsold stock.

Monthly revenue is typically around £300 to £4,000, depending on your niche, range and how well you reach parents and gift buyers. This is sales before costs, and the figures are estimates. Expect to spend at least around 8 hours a week.

Check UK product safety requirements for what you sell, such as UKCA or CE marking and labelling. Also check consumer rights for online sales, including the 14-day cancellation period and refunds, via GOV.UK or Trading Standards, plus HMRC registration and VAT.