Online fine pen and ink shop

Pen hobbyists, people buying gifts for graduations or milestones, students, calligraphers and small businesses wanting quality corporate gifts.

The margin between the trade price you pay and your retail price, plus extra from bundles, gift sets and engraving or gift wrapping. Repeat customers buying ink and refills help steady sales.

• Product knowledge and enthusiasm for pens
• Basic website and photography skills
• Stock control and packing orders
• Friendly customer service by email and social media

• Distributors may set minimum order values or want proof of a business before opening a trade account
• Check the rules on distance selling, returns and refunds for online sales
• Ink bottles can leak in the post, so check packaging and postage options and consider insurance for lost parcels
• Check if working from home as a business needs permission from your landlord or mortgage lender
• Tie up cash in stock carefully, as slower-selling pens can sit for months

Startup costs are typically around £1,000 to £6,000, depending on how much opening stock you buy, your website set-up and packaging. These are estimates, and stock is usually the biggest outlay, so build your range gradually.

Check whether distributors set minimum order values or want proof of a business before opening a trade account. Check the rules on distance selling, returns and refunds, and packaging and postage options for ink bottles that can leak.

Monthly revenue is typically around £300 to £4,000, depending on your range, prices and how well you reach customers. The estimate assumes at least about 8 hours a week. Slower-selling pens can tie up cash in stock for months.