Online musical box shop

Gift buyers looking for birthdays, weddings and christenings, plus collectors and people hunting for a particular tune.

You buy stock at trade or wholesale prices and sell at a mark-up. Extras such as gift wrapping, engraving or bundles can raise the value of each order.

• Sourcing and negotiating with suppliers
• Clear product photos and descriptions
• Friendly customer service
• Basic stock and order tracking

• Online sales rules, including the right to cancel and clear returns information
• Product safety marking and testing if boxes are sold as children's items, check the current UK rules
• Fragile items, so check packaging and postage insurance
• Honest descriptions of vintage or antique pieces
• Sales that peak around Christmas, so plan your cash flow
• Storing stock at home may need permission from a landlord or mortgage lender

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

Monthly revenue is typically around £400 to £2,000, depending on your range, pricing and marketing. These are estimates, and sales often peak around Christmas, so plan your cash flow for the rest of the year.

Check online sales rules, including the right to cancel and clear returns information. If boxes are sold as children's items, check the current UK product safety rules. Also check whether storing stock at home needs landlord or lender permission.