Online dancewear shop

Parents of young dancers, adult dancers and local dance schools.

You buy at wholesale prices and sell at retail, earning the difference on each item. Repeat orders come as children grow out of kit.

• Knowing dancewear, sizing and fit
• Basic online shop and photo skills
• Customer service and handling returns

• Distance selling rules mean customers can usually return goods, check the current consumer rights requirements
• Shoes and leotards have lots of size variations, so returns can eat into profit
• Check whether you need product liability or stock insurance
• Check with your landlord or mortgage lender if you store stock at home
• Keep an eye on the VAT registration threshold as sales grow

Startup costs are typically around £1,500 to £8,000, depending on whether you hold stock yourself or use suppliers who post direct, and how you build your shop.

Monthly revenue is typically around £500 to £4,000, depending on your range and how many dancers, parents and dance schools you reach. Returns on sizes can eat into profit, so allow for them.

Check distance selling rules, as customers can usually return goods, and the current consumer rights requirements. Also check whether you need product liability or stock insurance, and keep an eye on the VAT registration threshold as sales grow.