Online letterbox and post box shop

Homeowners replacing a worn letterbox, people doing up a property, landlords and small local builders buying a few at a time.

You buy at trade price and sell at a retail price, keeping the difference after delivery costs and card fees. Selling matching accessories alongside raises the value of each order.

• Basic online selling and product listings
• Clear product photos and descriptions
• Customer service and handling returns
• Keeping track of stock and orders

• Distance selling rules, including the right for customers to cancel and return goods, so check what you must offer
• Whether products meet any relevant standards, for example security or fire-rated letter plates, and describe them accurately
• Bulky or heavy items can be costly to post and to return, so work out delivery costs before you set prices
• Product liability and public liability insurance, so check what cover suits online selling
• Running a business from home may need permission from a landlord or mortgage lender

Startup costs are typically around £300 to £2,500, depending on your website, how much stock you hold and whether suppliers send orders direct to customers. These are estimates only, so price your own set-up before you commit.

Monthly revenue is typically around £500 to £3,500, depending on your range, pricing and how many customers you reach. These are estimates, not guarantees, and revenue is not profit once stock, delivery and returns costs are covered.

Check distance selling rules, including customers' right to cancel and return goods, and whether products meet relevant standards such as security or fire ratings. Also work out delivery costs for bulky items and check what insurance suits online selling.