Online office furniture shop

Home workers, start-ups, small offices and landlords fitting out workspaces.

You add a margin to the supplier's trade price. Larger orders and bundles, such as a desk plus chair, raise the value of each sale.

• Online selling and basic website setup
• Good product knowledge and customer service
• Organised with orders and supplier contact

• Consumer rights rules on distance selling and returns, check the current requirements for online sellers
• Check that chairs and furniture meet UK safety and fire-resistance standards for the use intended
• Supplier delays or damage in transit can fall on you, so agree how issues are handled in writing
• Public liability and product liability insurance
• VAT registration becomes compulsory above the turnover threshold, so track your sales

Startup costs are typically around £500 to £3,000, depending on your website setup, any sample stock and how much you spend on marketing. Because suppliers can send goods direct, you may need little or no stock.

Check the current consumer rights rules on distance selling and returns, and whether chairs and furniture meet UK safety and fire-resistance standards. Also look at public liability and product liability insurance, and track sales against the VAT registration threshold.

Monthly revenue is typically around £500 to £5,000, depending on your range, pricing and how well you attract customers. The estimate starts from about 8 hours a week. Agree in writing how supplier delays or damage are handled.