Online glass block shop

Homeowners doing bathroom, hallway or garden wall projects, plus small builders, bathroom fitters and interior designers.

You buy at trade price and sell at a mark-up per block or per pack, with extra margin on accessories and delivery charges.

• Building an online shop and listing products well
• Product knowledge and answering technical questions
• Supplier negotiation and order tracking

• Glass blocks are heavy and breakable, so check carrier terms, packaging and who pays when goods arrive damaged
• Online sales rules on returns and cancellations, check the current consumer rights guidance
• Structural or fire-rated uses may need building regulations approval, so make sure your listings do not overstate what a product is suitable for
• Public liability and product liability insurance, and whether you need VAT registration as sales grow

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £500 to £3,000, depending on your website or marketplace setup and how much stock you hold. Stock is usually held by a wholesaler or manufacturer and sent direct, which can keep costs lower.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around £800 to £4,000, depending on your product range, pricing and how many homeowners and installers you reach. Revenue is not profit, so allow for supplier costs and delivery.

Check carrier terms, packaging and who pays when heavy, breakable goods arrive damaged. Also check online returns and cancellation rules, building regulations for structural or fire-rated uses so your listings do not overstate suitability, and insurance and VAT registration.