Niche equipment importer, run from home

Small UK businesses that need the equipment, such as cafes, garages, workshops, salons and farms, and sometimes resellers.

You buy at the supplier's price and sell at a margin that covers shipping, duty, import VAT handling and your time. Larger orders and repeat trade customers bring steadier income.

• Negotiating with suppliers
• Careful with paperwork and costings
• Knowing your product and its buyers

• Customs duty, import VAT and shipping costs can erase your margin, so cost every shipment before you quote
• Check whether your products need UKCA or CE marking or other safety rules before you sell them
• Consider using a customs agent or freight forwarder until you are confident with import paperwork
• Check how warranty claims and returns will work with an overseas supplier
• Exchange rate swings and paying suppliers upfront are cash flow risks
• Product liability and public liability insurance, plus any cover for goods in transit
• Check whether your landlord, mortgage lender or council allows storing goods at home

Startup costs are typically estimated at around £2,000 to £12,000, depending on your product, order sizes and shipping. Customs duty, import VAT and shipping costs can erase your margin, so cost every shipment before you quote.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £2,000 to £10,000, depending on your product area, customers and pricing. Exchange rate swings and paying suppliers upfront are cash flow risks to plan for.

Check whether your products need UKCA or CE marking or other safety rules, how customs duty and import VAT apply, and how warranty claims and returns will work with an overseas supplier. A customs agent or freight forwarder may help.