How to start an online garden furniture shop

Homeowners, renters with patios or balconies, and small cafes or pubs furnishing outdoor space.

You earn the margin between the supplier's price and your selling price, plus delivery charges and add-ons like covers and cushions. Sales are strongest in spring and summer.

• Online selling and product listings
• Spotting good-value suppliers
• Customer service and handling returns

• Consumer rights rules for distance selling, including a 14-day cancellation right in most cases, check the details
• Fire safety labels on foam cushions and upholstered items, check what applies to products you sell
• Bulky delivery costs and damage in transit can wipe out your margin
• Public liability and product liability insurance, ask a broker what you need
• Seasonal demand means quiet winter months, so plan your cash flow

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £500 to £5,000, depending on how much stock you hold, whether you rent a small storage unit, and how many products you list at the start.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around £500 to £5,000, depending on your range, pricing and marketing. Demand is seasonal, so plan your cash flow for quiet winter months. Revenue is not the same as profit.

Check consumer rights rules for distance selling, including a 14-day cancellation right in most cases. Also check fire safety labels on foam cushions and upholstered items, and ask a broker about public liability and product liability insurance.