Online comic store and fair stalls

Collectors, fans hunting for particular issues and gift buyers across the UK.

Profit on each item sold, mostly from buying collections and back issues at a good price and reselling, plus new graphic novels and merchandise bought from trade suppliers.

• Grading and valuing comics
• Photography and writing good listings
• Packing and posting carefully
• Spotting good buys

• Register as a sole trader with HMRC once you trade regularly, and keep stock and sales records
• Check the rules for selling online to consumers, including returns and refund rights
• Public liability insurance for stalls, and insurance for stock in transit and storage
• Check whether your landlord or mortgage lender allows storing stock at home
• Damaged parcels and disputes over condition, so describe grading honestly
• Fair and market stall fees can eat into margins

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £500 to £4,000, depending on how much stock you buy, your packing supplies and whether you take stalls at fairs. Stall fees can eat into margins, so factor them in.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around £300 to £3,000, depending on the stock you hold, how often you take a stall and how well your listings sell. This is revenue rather than profit, so allow for stock and fees.

Check that you register as a sole trader with HMRC once you trade regularly, and keep stock and sales records. Also check the rules on online sales to consumers, including returns and refund rights, and arrange public liability insurance for stalls.