Online educational supplies shop for teachers and parents

Teachers buying for their classrooms, tutors, home-educating parents and nurseries.

You buy at trade prices and sell at a mark-up, with extra income from bundles, class packs and repeat orders. Some sellers also use dropshipping or supplier-fulfilled orders.

• Choosing products that teachers and parents want
• Basic website and stock management
• Customer service
• Social media or email marketing

• Toys, games and children's products must meet UK product safety rules and carry the right markings, check with Trading Standards before selling
• Distance selling rules on returns and refunds apply to online sales
• Register as a sole trader or company and check when VAT registration becomes compulsory
• Postage costs and returns can eat into thin margins

Startup costs are typically estimated at around £500 to £4,000, depending on your website or marketplace fees, how much stock you buy first and your marketing. A tight niche range can help you keep initial spending lower.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £300 to £4,000, depending on your products, niche and how well you reach teachers, tutors and parents. Postage costs and returns can eat into thin margins.

Check that toys, games and children's products meet UK product safety rules and carry the right markings, and ask Trading Standards if unsure. Also check distance selling rules on returns, your business registration and when VAT registration applies.