Online jewellery wholesale to overseas shops

Independent boutiques, gift shops, concept stores and small distributors in other countries.

You buy at the maker's wholesale price and sell at a trade price that covers shipping, paperwork and your margin. Repeat orders from the same shops are where the steadier income comes from.

• Selling and following up with buyers
• Good eye for products and trends
• Organised with orders, stock and paperwork

• Check whether you need an EORI number and how to make export declarations for your destinations
• Precious metal items may need to be hallmarked, so check the current UK hallmarking rules with the Assay Office
• Overseas customs duties, VAT and import rules vary by country, so check who pays and what paperwork the buyer needs
• Check whether accepting large cash payments would require registering with HMRC as a high value dealer
• Payment risk with new overseas buyers, so consider payment upfront and insure goods in transit

Startup costs are typically around £1,000 to £6,000, depending on the stock or samples you buy, your website, and your paperwork and shipping set-up. Treat these as estimates and consider starting with a small range.

Monthly revenue is typically around £1,000 to £5,000, depending on your niche, how many buyers you win and order sizes. Payment risk with new overseas buyers is worth planning for, for example by asking for payment upfront.

Check whether you need an EORI number and how to make export declarations. Check UK hallmarking rules for precious metal items with the Assay Office, overseas duties, VAT and import paperwork, and whether HMRC high value dealer registration applies if you take large cash payments.