Online lab and school science supplier

School and college science technicians, small commercial labs, tutors, hobbyist groups and start-up research teams.

You buy at trade price and sell at a margin. Repeat orders from schools and labs, plus fast, reliable delivery, are what build steady sales.

• Comfortable with product detail and specifications
• Organised with orders and suppliers
• Clear, reliable customer service

• Rules on selling chemicals; some are restricted or need extra checks, so confirm what you can sell and to whom
• Product liability and public liability insurance
• Schools often buy through approved supplier lists or frameworks, so check how to get listed
• Registration for VAT once your turnover reaches the threshold
• Margins can be thin if larger suppliers undercut you, so stay niche

Startup costs are typically around £1,500 to £7,500, depending on your website, the range you stock and your supplier arrangements. These are estimates, so plan your range and set-up before you budget.

Monthly revenue is typically around £600 to £3,000, depending on your niche and how many schools or labs you win, from about 10 hours a week. These are estimates. Margins can be thin if larger suppliers undercut you.

Check the rules on selling chemicals, as some are restricted or need extra checks. Also check product and public liability insurance, how to get on schools' approved supplier lists or frameworks, and when you need to register for VAT.