Online mobility and support products shop

Individual customers across the UK, including people recovering from injury, older people and carers buying for someone else.

Retail margin on each sale, with higher average orders from bundles and accessories. Repeat orders come from items that need replacing, such as supports and compression wear.

• Setting up and running an online shop
• Writing clear product descriptions
• Customer service by email and phone
• Stock and order management

• Some products may be classed as medical devices, so check with suppliers and the MHRA that items are correctly marked and can be sold to the public
• Distance selling rules give customers cancellation and returns rights, so check the consumer rules before you launch
• Avoid health claims you cannot back up, and check advertising rules
• Sizing errors lead to returns, so provide clear measuring guides
• Product liability and public liability insurance, plus a check on whether you can run stock from home under your tenancy or mortgage

Estimates are typically around £1,000 to £5,000, depending on stock, website set-up, insurance and whether suppliers send direct to customers. Product liability and public liability insurance are worth budgeting for.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £500 to £4,000, depending on your niche, range and marketing. Sizing errors lead to returns, so clear measuring guides matter. This is revenue, not profit.

Check with suppliers and the MHRA that items are correctly marked and can be sold to the public. Also check distance selling rules on cancellations and returns, and advertising rules so you avoid health claims you cannot back up.