Online paintings shop

Home decorators, gift buyers, small businesses furnishing offices, cafes and rental properties.

A margin on each sale, usually a commission of the artist's price or a mark-up on stock you have bought. Framing and delivery can be charged as extras.

• An eye for quality art
• Social media and online selling
• Good photography and descriptions
• Building relationships with artists

• Check you have written permission from artists to sell and reproduce their work, as copyright stays with them
• Consumer rules on online sales, including returns and delivery, so check the current guidance
• Insurance for stock held and for artworks in transit, and careful packaging to avoid damage
• Register as a sole trader with HMRC and keep records of sales and artist payments

Startup costs are typically around £300 to £3,000, depending on whether you buy stock outright or sell on commission, plus your website and packaging. Treat this as an estimate and budget for your own needs.

Monthly revenue is typically around £200 to £2,500, depending on your style, pricing and how well you reach buyers online. These are revenue estimates, not profit. You might start with around 6 hours a week.

Check you have written permission from artists to sell and reproduce their work, as copyright stays with them. Also check current consumer guidance on returns and delivery, insurance for stock and transit, and registering as a sole trader with HMRC.