Online specialist instrument shop

Players, students, parents and teachers across the UK who want good advice and reliable delivery.

Margin on each item sold through your own website or marketplaces. Accessories and sheet music bring repeat orders, while instruments bring higher-value sales.

• Knowing your chosen niche well
• Basic online selling and product photography
• Packing and posting carefully
• Customer service by email and phone

• Distance selling rules: check the consumer rights on returns, refunds and delivery information for online sales
• Instruments can be damaged in the post, so check courier insurance and packaging
• Strong price competition from large retailers, so avoid competing on price alone
• Check whether running a business from home needs permission from your landlord or mortgage lender, especially if you store stock there
• Check when VAT registration becomes compulsory for your turnover
• Public liability and product liability insurance

Startup costs are typically around £1,000 to £8,000, depending on your niche and the stock you buy. These are estimates. You can start with small, easy-to-post items and add instruments as the business grows.

Monthly revenue is typically around £500 to £4,000, depending on your niche, range and how much time you put in. These are estimates. Strong price competition from large retailers means it is wise not to compete on price alone.

Check the distance selling rules on returns, refunds and delivery information. Also check courier insurance and packaging for instruments, when VAT registration becomes compulsory, and whether your landlord or mortgage lender must agree to a business or stock at home.