Online ladder and access equipment shop

Tradespeople, builders, maintenance teams, small businesses and DIY homeowners looking for the right ladder at a fair price.

You buy at trade price and sell at a margin. Extra income can come from accessories such as stabilisers, ladder bags and safety kit.

• Understanding ladder types and what each is used for
• Clear product writing and basic online selling
• Customer service and handling returns

• Check that products meet the relevant UK safety standards and that suppliers can show proof, such as BS EN 131 markings for portable ladders
• Check product liability and public liability insurance with a broker before selling
• Long, bulky items are costly and easy to damage in transit, so check courier rules and prices
• Online sales are covered by consumer return rules, so check what you must offer and plan for returns
• Check whether you need permission to run the business from home, and register as a sole trader with HMRC

Startup costs are typically around £500 to £5,000, depending on your website, range and whether you ship direct from a supplier or hold stock. Check courier prices for long, bulky items, as they can be costly.

Monthly revenue is typically around £500 to £6,000, depending on your range, pricing and how well you reach trades and homeowners online. These are estimates, and returns and delivery costs will affect what you keep.

Check that products meet the relevant UK safety standards and that suppliers can show proof, such as BS EN 131 markings for portable ladders. Check product and public liability insurance with a broker, and check consumer return rules for online sales.