Online electronic components shop

Hobbyists, students, makers, repairers and small workshops who want small quantities quickly without trade accounts.

You buy in bulk and sell in smaller packs or kits at a mark-up. Profit comes from the gap between buying and selling price, minus postage and marketplace fees. Bundles and project kits can raise the order value.

• Basic knowledge of electronic parts
• Stock and order organisation
• Online selling and customer service

• Product safety and conformity marking rules (UKCA/CE) for some items, check what applies to what you sell
• Rules on batteries, which carry extra requirements, and on waste electrical equipment (WEEE) producer registration, check with the relevant bodies
• Import duty and VAT when buying from overseas suppliers
• Counterfeit or poor quality parts, buy only from trusted suppliers
• Static damage to stock, store and pack parts properly
• Check with your landlord or mortgage lender if you store stock at home

Startup costs are typically around £500 to £3,000, depending on how wide a range of stock you buy and how you set up your site. Starting with a narrow range, such as parts for Arduino or Raspberry Pi projects, is one option.

Monthly revenue is typically around £300 to £3,000, depending on your range, your suppliers and how many customers you reach. These are estimates, not guaranteed earnings, and will vary with the hours you put in.

Check product safety and UKCA/CE marking rules for some items. Check the rules on batteries and WEEE producer registration with the relevant bodies. Also check import duty and VAT if you buy from overseas suppliers.