Online Consignment Seller from Home

Online buyers pay for the items. Sellers accept a lower share in return for you handling the photos, listing, questions and postage.

You keep an agreed percentage of each sale, after marketplace and postage costs are taken into account. Higher-value items usually give the best return for your time.

• Photographing and describing items well
• Researching what things sell for
• Organised stock tracking
• Clear communication with sellers and buyers

• Check marketplace seller rules and fees, and what they allow you to sell on behalf of others
• Consumer rules apply to online sales, including returns, so check what you must offer buyers
• Insurance for stock stored at home, which home insurance may not cover. Check with your insurer
• Check whether your landlord or mortgage lender allows you to run a business from home
• Keep sellers' money separate and records clear, and register as a sole trader with HMRC once you start trading

Startup costs are typically around £100 to £1,000, depending on the equipment you need for photos, packaging and storage. These are estimates, so plan your own budget before taking in items.

Monthly revenue is typically around £200 to £1,500, depending on the items you take in, what they sell for and the share you agree with sellers. Estimates start at about 8 hours a week.

Check marketplace seller rules and fees, and consumer rules on returns. Check insurance for stock at home and whether your landlord or lender allows it. Keep sellers' money separate, and register as a sole trader with HMRC once trading.