Online lingerie and nightwear store

Shoppers who want more choice, size range or privacy than a local shop offers, and gift buyers.

Mark-up on each item sold. Higher order values come from sets, bundles and repeat customers on an email list.

• Online shop setup
• Product photography and descriptions
• Social media or email marketing
• Customer service

• Distance selling rules: customers usually have cancellation and return rights, so check the current requirements
• High return rates on wrong sizes, which can eat into margin
• Data protection (UK GDPR) for customer details and marketing emails
• Dropship supplier reliability, delivery times and product quality
• Product liability insurance, and checking with your insurer if you sell from home

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £1,000 to £8,000, depending on whether you buy stock from wholesalers or use dropship suppliers, and how much you spend on your website, photography and marketing.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around £300 to £5,000, depending on your niche, stock range and marketing. That figure is revenue, not profit, and high returns on wrong sizes can eat into your margin.

Check the current distance selling rules, as customers usually have cancellation and return rights. Also check UK GDPR for customer details and marketing emails, product liability insurance, and your insurer's view if you sell from home.