Online hi-fi and speaker shop

Music lovers and households upgrading from soundbars or basic speakers, plus people buying a first proper system.

Margin on each product sold, plus extras such as cables, stands and accessories. Some sellers also charge for remote setup advice.

• Good knowledge of home audio
• Clear, friendly written advice
• Basic online shop and stock management

• Brands may have minimum order values or rules on who can sell their products, so check before committing
• Distance selling rules give online customers a right to cancel and return goods, so plan for returns
• Electrical goods must meet UK safety and WEEE recycling rules, so check what applies to you as a seller
• Tight margins against large retailers, so avoid competing on price alone
• Insurance for stock and public liability, and VAT registration once you pass the threshold

Startup costs are typically around £1,500 to £10,000, depending on how much stock you hold, whether suppliers send goods direct, and how you set up your web shop. Brand minimum order values can also affect the figure.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £500 to £5,000, depending on your range, your advice service and your marketing. These are revenue estimates, and margins can be tight against large retailers, so avoid competing on price alone.

Check whether brands set minimum orders or rules on who can sell their products. Also check distance selling rules on cancellations and returns, UK electrical safety and WEEE recycling rules, insurance, and when VAT registration applies.