Online fire safety equipment shop

Small businesses, landlords, letting agents, community groups and tradespeople who need to buy or replace basic fire safety items.

You add a margin to the wholesale price on each item. Bundles, such as a kit for a small office or rented property, raise the value of each order, and repeat trade customers can add steady orders.

• Comfortable with online selling and basic web tools
• Good product knowledge and attention to detail
• Clear customer service by email and phone

• Check that every product you sell meets the relevant British or European standard and carries the right markings
• Product liability and public liability insurance, ask your insurer what they need for selling safety equipment
• Avoid implying a product makes a building legally compliant, customers remain responsible for their own fire risk assessment
• Some extinguishers may have rules on postage and transport, check with your courier and supplier
• Servicing or installing equipment is a different job and customers often expect third-party certification, so stick to supply unless you are qualified

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around £500 to £3,000, depending on your website, any stock you hold and your insurance. Many suppliers ship direct, so you may be able to hold little or no stock.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £500 to £4,000, depending on your product range, prices and how many customers you reach. The estimates assume a minimum of about 8 hours a week.

Check that every product meets the relevant British or European standard and carries the right markings. Ask your insurer about product and public liability cover, avoid implying a product makes a building compliant, and check courier and supplier rules on posting extinguishers.