Online marine supplies shop

Boat owners, liveaboards, small sailing clubs and marinas who want convenient delivery and good advice.

Profit on the difference between your buying price and selling price, plus delivery charges. Specialist advice and bundles, such as a safety kit or winter lay-up pack, can lift order value.

• Knowledge of boats and boating gear
• Basic website and listing management
• Stock and supplier management
• Customer service

• Safety gear such as lifejackets, flares and fire extinguishers: check the rules on selling, storing and shipping, as flares and some products have restrictions
• Hazardous items like paints, solvents and gas may have special courier and storage requirements, check with your carrier
• Consumer rules on returns, product descriptions and distance selling
• Product liability and public liability insurance, check what cover you need
• Tight margins against large online chandlers, so a clear niche matters

Startup costs are typically around £1,500 to £8,000, depending on your range, whether suppliers ship direct and how much stock you buy. Treat these as estimates and check supplier prices, website costs and insurance quotes before you commit.

Monthly revenue is typically around £500 to £4,000, depending on your niche, pricing and how well you reach boat owners. These are estimates, not guarantees, and revenue is before costs. A focused range such as sailing or canal boats may help.

Check the rules on selling, storing and shipping safety gear such as lifejackets, flares and fire extinguishers. Check courier requirements for paints, solvents and gas, consumer rules on returns and distance selling, and what product and public liability cover you need.