Small online fashion label

Shoppers who like your style, found mainly through Instagram, TikTok, your website or online marketplaces.

You sell each item for more than it costs to make and ship. Pre-orders or small drops can help you avoid holding too much stock.

• Design and sketching
• Knowing fabrics and how garments are made
• Social media and photography
• Budgeting for stock

• Clothing sold in the UK must meet product safety and labelling rules, such as fibre content labels and children's nightwear and drawstring rules; check with Trading Standards
• Distance selling rules give online customers returns rights, so set a clear returns policy
• Unsold stock can tie up your cash, so start with small batches
• Check you are not copying other designers' work, as designs can be protected by copyright or design rights
• Consider product liability insurance and check what your marketplace or payment provider requires

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £1,000 to £5,000, depending on the size of your first collection, your manufacturer and your website and photography. Starting with small batches helps stop unsold stock tying up your cash.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue is typically around £300 to £3,000, depending on your designs, pricing, marketing and how many pieces you sell. The estimates assume you spend at least around 10 hours a week on the business.

Check product safety and labelling rules with Trading Standards, such as fibre content labels and children's nightwear and drawstring rules. Set a clear returns policy under distance selling rules, and check you are not copying other designers' work.