Online leather jackets and coats shop

Individual shoppers looking for a good quality jacket or coat, including people who want a particular style, size or vintage look.

You buy at a trade or second-hand price and sell at a higher price. Margin comes from careful buying, good photos and descriptions, and keeping returns low.

• Judging leather quality and condition
• Product photography and clear descriptions
• Customer service and handling returns

• Online sales are covered by consumer rules on returns and descriptions, so check what applies to distance selling
• Register as a sole trader or limited company and check when VAT registration becomes compulsory
• Check supplier claims about the leather and any real or faux descriptions, as misdescribing items is a risk
• Home storage of stock may affect home insurance, so check your policy
• High return rates on sizing and fit can eat into profit

Startup costs are typically around £500 to £5,000, depending on whether you buy new stock or vintage pieces, and on your website, photography and insurance. These are estimates, and you can keep stock at home to reduce costs.

Monthly revenue is typically around £300 to £4,000, depending on your stock, pricing and how many customers you reach. High return rates on sizing and fit can eat into profit, so allow for them.

Check consumer rules on returns, descriptions and distance selling. Also check when VAT registration becomes compulsory, whether to trade as a sole trader or limited company, supplier claims about real or faux leather, and your home insurance if you store stock.