Online costume jewellery shop

Fashion-minded shoppers, mostly women and teens, plus people buying small gifts.

You sell at a mark-up on wholesale prices. Bundles, gift sets and add-on items such as jewellery pouches help raise the average order.

• Spotting trends and choosing stock
• Product photography and listing
• Social media and customer service
• Keeping track of stock and orders

• Register as a sole trader with HMRC and keep sales records
• Check product safety rules for jewellery, including limits on nickel and other restricted substances, and ask suppliers for compliance information
• Distance selling rules give customers the right to cancel and return online orders, so check what you must offer
• Check you are not selling copies of branded designs, which can break trademark law
• Allow for postage costs, packaging and marketplace fees when setting prices

Startup costs are estimated at typically around £300 to £2,500, depending on how much stock you buy, how you build your shop and what you spend on photography and packaging. Allow for postage and marketplace fees when pricing.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around £200 to £3,000, depending on your stock choices, how much time you spend and how well you promote the shop. Treat these as estimates rather than guarantees.

Check you are registered as a sole trader with HMRC and keeping sales records. Also check product safety rules, including nickel limits, distance selling cancellation rights, and that you are not selling copies of branded designs.