Online needlework and stitching shop

Hobby stitchers, people new to embroidery, and gift buyers looking for craft kits for friends and family.

You buy stock at trade prices and sell at a mark-up, with extra income from bundles, gift sets and repeat orders for threads and fabric.

• Knowledge of stitching and what stitchers need
• Basic online selling and photography
• Organised stock and order handling

• Distance selling rules: check the information you must give customers and their cancellation and returns rights
• Stock tied up in slow-selling colours and kits, so start small
• Check if your landlord or mortgage lender allows storing stock at home
• Product liability and public liability insurance: check what cover suits you
• Postage costs and packaging eating into margins

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £800 to £4,000, depending on your stock range, website or marketplace set-up and packaging. Start small, as stock can get tied up in slow-selling colours and kits.

Check the distance selling rules, including the information you must give customers and their cancellation and returns rights. Also check whether your landlord or mortgage lender allows stock at home, and what product liability and public liability cover suits you.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue is typically around £300 to £2,500, depending on your range, traffic and pricing. Postage and packaging can eat into margins. The idea assumes at least about 8 hours a week.