Online fibre optic parts reseller

Network installers, telecoms subcontractors, electricians moving into data work, small ISPs and community broadband projects.

You buy at trade prices and sell at a margin, plus delivery charges. Repeat orders from regular contractors, and bundled kits (for example a splicing starter kit), tend to be the steadiest income.

• Sales and building trade relationships
• Learning product specifications well enough to advise
• Organised with orders, suppliers and stock
• Basic online shop management

• Check supplier terms on drop-shipping, minimum orders, returns and payment terms
• Check which standards or certifications apply to the cable and equipment you sell, including fire performance ratings for cable used inside buildings
• Register for VAT if your turnover goes over the threshold, and check how it affects your trade pricing
• Cut fibre offcuts and some tools need careful handling, so give safe-use guidance and check your product liability cover
• Check whether your home insurance, landlord or mortgage lender allows storing stock at home

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around £1,000 to £5,000, depending on whether you hold stock, how you build your online shop and the minimum orders your suppliers require. Check supplier terms on drop-shipping, returns and payment.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around £1,500 to £7,500, depending on your focus, your supplier terms and the trade relationships you build. That is revenue, not profit. Estimates start from around 10 hours a week.

Check which standards or certifications apply to what you sell, including fire performance ratings for cable used inside buildings. Also check VAT registration, product liability cover, safe-handling guidance for offcuts and tools, and whether you can store stock at home.