Online dive kit seller

Recreational divers, newly qualified divers building their first kit, and dive clubs buying for members.

You earn the margin between trade and retail prices on each item sold. Extras such as kit bundles, fitting advice and club discounts can add to this.

• Good knowledge of diving kit, ideally from diving yourself
• Customer service and clear product advice
• Basic stock control and online selling

• Some brands only supply approved dealers, so check what each distributor requires
• Online sales rules on returns, refunds and clear product information, check the current consumer rules
• Product liability and public liability insurance, and ask your insurer about selling safety-critical kit
• Servicing regulators and other life-support gear usually needs manufacturer training, so check before offering it
• Spare space at home for stock, and permission from your landlord or mortgage lender if needed

Startup costs are typically around £1,500 to £7,500, depending on how much stock you buy and how you sell. Treat this as an estimate and check supplier prices, insurance quotes and storage needs before you commit.

Monthly revenue is typically around £1,000 to £5,000, depending on your range, your customers and whether you attend dive club evenings. These are revenue estimates rather than profit, so work out your own margins after stock and running costs.

Some brands only supply approved dealers, so check what each distributor requires. Also check current consumer rules on returns, refunds and product information, and ask your insurer about product and public liability cover for safety-critical kit. Check manufacturer training before offering servicing of regulators or other life-support gear.