Home-Based craft exporter for overseas shops

Independent gift shops, galleries, concept stores and online retailers abroad that want authentic British handmade goods.

You buy from makers at a wholesale price and sell to overseas buyers at a higher price, or take an agreed commission on each order. Your margin has to cover shipping, packaging and any fees.

• Spotting good products and a clear niche
• Building relationships with makers and buyers
• Careful organising and paperwork
• Writing clear product descriptions

• Check whether you need an EORI number and how customs declarations work for your goods and destination countries
• Check import duties, VAT and any labelling or product safety rules in the countries you sell to
• Some materials, such as ivory or certain woods and shells, have export restrictions, so check before you sell
• Agree payment terms carefully with overseas buyers, ideally payment upfront or a deposit for new customers
• Check you have insurance for goods in transit and public liability cover
• Check whether your landlord or mortgage lender allows you to run a business from home

Startup costs are typically around £500 to £2,500, depending on how much stock you hold, the samples you send to buyers and your insurance. Keeping stock small, or having makers ship once an order is confirmed, helps limit what you spend upfront.

Check whether you need an EORI number and how customs declarations work for your goods and destinations. Also check import duties, VAT, labelling and product safety rules abroad, plus export restrictions on materials such as ivory or certain woods and shells.

Monthly revenue is typically around £400 to £2,000, depending on your niche, the makers you work with and the buyers you win. The estimate assumes at least about 8 hours a week. Agree payment terms carefully, ideally with a deposit from new customers.