Online sweets and gift boxes

Gift buyers, parties and events, nostalgic adults and businesses wanting treats for clients or staff.

Mark-up on bought-in sweets and chocolate, plus higher margins on made-up gift boxes, party bags and corporate orders. Postage is charged to customers or built into prices.

• Packing and presentation
• Social media and photography
• Order handling
• Stock control

• Register your home kitchen or storage space as a food business with the council, and check that your home and any landlord or mortgage lender allow it
• Food hygiene, labelling and allergen rules for prepacked products
• Public liability and product insurance
• Chocolate melts in warm weather, so check packaging and delivery options
• Distance selling rules for online customers, such as returns and information you must give

Startup costs are typically around £500 to £4,000, depending on stock, packaging, website or marketplace set-up and any market stall costs. Check packaging and delivery options early, as chocolate melts in warm weather.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £300 to £3,000, depending on your range, how well you market it and whether you add markets or events. You would typically spend at least 8 hours a week on it.

Check registering your home kitchen or storage space as a food business with the council, and whether your home, landlord or mortgage lender allows it. Also check food hygiene, labelling and allergen rules, insurance, and distance selling rules for returns.