Online costume and dressing-up shop

Parents, party hosts, schools, nurseries, amateur theatre groups and people heading to themed events.

You buy stock at trade prices and sell at a mark-up. Seasonal peaks such as Halloween, World Book Day and Christmas bring most sales. Bundles and group orders raise the average order value.

• Choosing stock that sells
• Basic product photography and listings
• Customer service and handling returns

• Children's costumes must meet UK product safety rules, including flammability. Check with Trading Standards and ask suppliers for safety documentation
• Check the consumer rules on online selling, including returns and refunds
• Seasonal sales mean unsold stock can tie up cash, so order cautiously
• Selling branded or character costumes without a licence can be a problem, so check suppliers are legitimate
• Check whether you need landlord or mortgage lender permission to store stock at home

Startup costs are estimated at typically around £500 to £3,000, depending on how much stock you buy and your website setup. Seasonal sales can leave unsold stock tying up cash, so order cautiously.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around £300 to £1,500, depending on your range, niche and the time of year. Seasonal peaks mean quieter months, so plan your cash flow carefully.

Children's costumes must meet UK product safety rules, including flammability, so check with Trading Standards and ask suppliers for safety documentation. Also check consumer rules on returns and refunds, and that branded costume suppliers are legitimate.