Online ice cream equipment and parts shop

Cafes, restaurants, ice cream parlours, farm shops, mobile caterers and new small ice cream makers.

A mark-up on each machine, part or consumable, plus delivery charges and repeat orders for items such as cones, tubs and seals.

• Sourcing and negotiating with suppliers
• Product knowledge and clear advice
• Online selling and customer service

• Check that imported or sourced equipment carries the right UK safety marking and has electrical safety documents
• Product liability and public liability insurance
• Warranty and returns handling for heavy items, agree who is responsible with your supplier
• Import costs, delivery charges and VAT if you buy from abroad
• Tying up cash in stock, start small

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £1,500 to £7,000, depending on the range you offer and how much stock you hold. Many orders can be sent direct from the supplier, and cash tied up in stock is a risk, so start small.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around £1,000 to £5,000, depending on your product range, trade customers and how many orders you win. Revenue is not profit, so factor in stock, delivery and import costs.

Check that sourced or imported equipment carries the right UK safety marking and has electrical safety documents. Also check product and public liability insurance, who handles warranty and returns on heavy items, and import costs and VAT if you buy from abroad.