Online gift wrap and packaging shop

Shoppers wrapping presents, crafters, and small businesses such as boutiques, bakers and online sellers who want neat packaging.

You sell at a mark-up over your wholesale cost. Themed bundles and bulk packs for small businesses help raise the order value.

• Eye for design and seasonal trends
• Stock and order organisation
• Basic online selling and photography

• Check where you can store stock at home, and whether your landlord or mortgage lender allows business use
• Seasonal demand peaks around Christmas and birthdays, so plan cash flow for quieter months
• Check consumer rules for online sales, including returns and clear product descriptions
• Postage and marketplace fees can eat into margins on low-priced items
• Register as a sole trader with HMRC and keep track of the VAT threshold

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £300 to £3,000, depending on how much stock you buy in bulk and whether you run your own web shop or use a marketplace.

Monthly revenue is typically around £200 to £2,500 as an estimate, depending on your range and traffic. Demand peaks around Christmas and birthdays, so plan cash flow for quieter months.

Check consumer rules for online sales, including returns and clear product descriptions. Also check whether your landlord or mortgage lender allows business use at home, and register as a sole trader with HMRC while tracking the VAT threshold.