Online cosmetics store

Online shoppers across the UK who want a specific type of product, helpful descriptions and reliable delivery.

You sell products at a mark-up over trade price, plus any delivery charges. Costs include stock, website fees, packaging, postage and advertising.

• Choosing and describing products
• Social media and online marketing
• Order packing and stock tracking
• Customer service by email or chat

• Cosmetics must meet UK product safety rules, so check supplier compliance and keep records
• Distance selling rules give customers cancellation and refund rights, so check the current requirements
• Store stock at home sensibly; fragrance and aerosols may have storage and postage limits, so check with couriers
• Check with your landlord, mortgage lender or insurer before storing stock at home
• Public liability and product liability insurance
• Online selling means a lot of competition, so keep ad spend under control while you test what works
• Register as a sole trader or limited company, and check when VAT registration applies

Startup costs are typically estimated at around £1,000 to £5,000, depending on your website, opening stock, packaging, insurance and marketing. Using a supplier who ships for you may reduce the stock you need to hold.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £300 to £4,000, depending on your niche, product range, marketing and how well you manage ad spend. Competition is strong, so treat these as estimates and test before scaling up.

Check supplier compliance with UK product safety rules and keep records. Review distance selling rules on cancellations and refunds, storage and postage limits for fragrance and aerosols, and insurance cover. Also check when VAT registration applies and whether home storage needs permission.