Start an online clothes store

Online shoppers across the UK who are looking for a particular style or size range that high street shops do not cover well.

You sell at a mark-up over your buying cost. After postage, returns, payment fees and advertising, what is left is your margin.

• Choosing products that sell
• Product photography and writing descriptions
• Social media and online marketing
• Order handling and customer service

• Distance selling rules: customers usually have a right to cancel and return online orders, so check the current rules
• Returns are common in clothing, so factor the cost into your prices
• Clear product labelling and accurate descriptions, and check textile labelling requirements
• Paid advertising costs can eat margins quickly
• Register with HMRC as self-employed and check when VAT applies
• Data protection basics for customer details, and check whether you need to register with the ICO

Startup costs are typically around £1,000 to £8,000, depending on your opening stock, website set-up and photography. These are estimates, and paid advertising can add to costs quickly, so budget for it.

Check the current distance selling rules, including customers' right to cancel and return orders, and textile labelling requirements. Also check HMRC self-employed registration, when VAT applies, and data protection basics, including whether you need to register with the ICO.

Monthly revenue is typically around £300 to £5,000, depending on your niche, marketing and range. That is revenue, not profit, and returns are common in clothing. It can start from about 8 hours a week.