Online corporate gifts and branded merch

Small and medium businesses, charities, schools and clubs buying for staff, clients, events or welcome packs.

You add a margin to the wholesale price plus branding costs. Repeat orders from the same firms, such as Christmas gifts and new starter packs, make income steadier.

• Selling and following up leads
• Good attention to detail on artwork and proofs
• Organised with deadlines and suppliers

• Check that you have permission to reproduce customers' logos and that you do not copy protected designs
• Check product safety and labelling rules for items such as food gifts, cosmetics or children's products
• Agree who pays if a proof is approved with an error or if a supplier delivers late
• Check whether you need public liability or product liability insurance
• Keep an eye on turnover against the VAT registration threshold

Estimates typically put startup costs at around £300 to £2,500, depending on samples, website and tools. Because suppliers can often send goods straight to your customer, you may not need to hold any stock yourself.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £500 to £5,000, depending on how many business customers you win and the size of their orders. That is revenue before what you pay suppliers and other costs.

Check you have permission to reproduce customers' logos and avoid copying protected designs. Also check product safety and labelling rules for items such as food gifts, cosmetics or children's products, whether you need liability insurance, and your turnover against the VAT threshold.