Online made-to-measure mirrors and glass

Homeowners, interior designers, landlords and small businesses who want a custom size without visiting a glazier.

You sell each piece at a retail price, which includes the processor's cost, packaging, delivery and your margin. Extras like polished edges, drilled holes and protective packaging raise the average order.

• Setting up and running an online shop
• Clear product descriptions and measuring guides
• Customer service
• Working with suppliers and couriers

• Made-to-measure goods are usually exempt from the standard 14-day cancellation right, but check Consumer Contracts rules and make your returns policy clear
• Breakage in transit, so check specialist glass couriers and their insurance
• Customers measuring wrongly, so give clear guides and consider a template service
• Safety glass rules for some uses, such as splashbacks near hobs, so check suitable glass types with your supplier
• Public liability and product liability insurance
• Check if you need to keep stock or sample pieces at home, and whether that needs permission from your landlord or lender

Startup costs are typically around £2,000 to £10,000, depending on your website, samples, marketing and supplier arrangements. These are estimates, so check what a trade glass processor and specialist couriers would charge.

Monthly revenue is typically around £1,000 to £5,000, depending on your products, marketing and order volume. Customers measuring wrongly and breakage in transit can cut into this, so clear guides and good courier cover matter.

Made-to-measure goods are usually exempt from the standard 14-day cancellation right, but check Consumer Contracts rules and make your returns policy clear. Also check safety glass for uses such as splashbacks near hobs, plus insurance.