Online magic trick shop

Hobbyists, beginners buying gifts, parents, and working magicians such as children's entertainers.

You buy at trade prices and sell at a mark-up. Beginner sets, gift bundles and your own demo videos help lift the average order.

• Knowing magic products and what suits beginners or performers
• Basic website and product listing skills
• Packing orders and customer service
• Filming simple demo videos

• Register as a sole trader with HMRC, and check when VAT registration becomes compulsory
• Online selling rules: check the consumer rights on returns, cancellation and clear product information
• Some props, such as fake weapons or flash items, may have extra rules, so check before stocking them
• Selling other people's secrets: check supplier terms and avoid copying or reselling copyrighted routines
• Storing stock at home may need permission from a landlord or mortgage lender
• Check product safety rules for items aimed at children

Startup costs are typically around £500 to £3,000, depending on how much stock you hold and whether suppliers post items direct. These are estimates. If you store stock at home, check whether you need permission from a landlord or mortgage lender.

Monthly revenue is typically around £300 to £2,500, depending on your range, pricing and how many customers you reach. This is an estimate of revenue, not profit, and it usually needs at least about 8 hours a week.

Register as a sole trader with HMRC and check when VAT registration becomes compulsory. Check consumer rights on returns and cancellation, extra rules for props such as fake weapons or flash items, supplier terms on copyrighted routines, and product safety rules for items aimed at children.