Online shed and summerhouse shop

Homeowners upgrading their gardens, plus some small trade buyers such as landscapers and small holiday lets.

You earn the margin between the trade price and your retail price, plus optional extras such as base preparation or assembly arranged through local fitters.

• Building a simple online shop
• Clear product descriptions and photos
• Good customer service by phone and email
• Organising suppliers and deliveries

• Distance selling rules: check what you must tell customers about cancellation rights, especially for made-to-order items
• Delivery problems and damage, so agree in writing who is responsible with each supplier
• Check whether the buildings need planning permission or building regulations approval and give customers accurate guidance, not assumptions
• Business insurance such as public liability and product liability, and VAT registration once you pass the threshold

Startup costs are typically around £500 to £3,000, depending on your website and marketing. Because suppliers deliver direct, you hold no stock, though you should check insurance and VAT registration once you pass the threshold.

Check distance selling rules on what you must tell customers about cancellation rights, especially for made-to-order items. Check whether buildings need planning permission or building regulations approval, and agree in writing who is responsible for delivery damage with each supplier.

Monthly revenue is typically around £1,000 to £5,000 as an estimate, depending on your range, pricing and customer enquiries. It can start at around 10 hours a week, handling enquiries, orders and supplier deliveries.