Online medical textbook shop

Medical and nursing students, junior doctors, other clinicians, libraries and researchers.

The margin between your buying price and selling price on each book. Bundles for course reading lists and buying back older editions can add repeat business.

• Knowing which titles and editions matter for each course
• Organised stock and order handling
• Basic online selling and photography
• Customer service

• Register as a sole trader with HMRC, and check whether you need to register for VAT as you grow
• Old editions can contain out-of-date clinical advice, so state the edition clearly and advise buyers to check current guidance
• Check you are not buying or selling counterfeit or pirated copies, which are a known risk with textbooks
• Online sales have consumer rules on returns and refunds, check the current requirements
• Marketplace fees and postage costs can squeeze margins on heavy books
• Check whether your landlord or mortgage lender allows storing stock at home

Startup costs are typically around £800 to £4,000, depending on how much stock you buy and your website or marketplace set-up. These are estimates, so start with a focused range of titles.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £800 to £4,000, depending on stock, pricing and demand. Marketplace fees and postage on heavy books can squeeze margins, so allow for them.

Register as a sole trader with HMRC and check VAT as you grow. State the edition clearly and advise buyers to check current guidance. Check you are not buying or selling counterfeit copies, and check consumer rules on returns.