Online hydroponics supplies shop

Home growers, keen gardeners, urban growers with no outdoor space and small hobby growers.

Mark-up on each product sold, plus bundles such as a starter kit with nutrients. Repeat orders for nutrients and consumables help steady the income.

• Knowing how hydroponic growing works
• Basic online shop setup
• Customer service and advice
• Organising stock and orders

• Check product safety and electrical rules for lights and pumps you sell, including UKCA or CE marking
• Check consumer rights for online sales, such as returns and clear pricing
• Some nutrients and chemicals have labelling and storage rules, so check with your supplier
• Be careful about how you market grow equipment, and check you are not encouraging illegal growing
• Check when VAT registration is needed as sales grow
• Get product liability insurance

Startup costs are typically around £500 to £4,000, depending on whether you dropship or buy stock in small batches, and on your website setup. These are estimates, and insurance and product checks should be part of your budget.

Monthly revenue is typically around £300 to £3,000, depending on your range, marketing and how much stock you hold. These are estimates of revenue rather than profit, and you would need at least about 8 hours a week.

Check product safety and electrical rules for lights and pumps, including UKCA or CE marking, plus consumer rights on returns and pricing. Also check nutrient labelling and storage rules, how you market grow equipment, when VAT registration is needed, and product liability insurance.