Online perfume shop with sample sets

Gift buyers, people looking for a new signature scent and fragrance fans who prefer to shop from home.

Profit on each bottle sold, which is the difference between your trade price and your selling price. Gift sets and bundles can raise the value of each order.

• Good knowledge of fragrance families and notes
• Clear, friendly written advice
• Basic online shop and photography skills
• Stock and order tracking

• Buy only from authorised or reputable suppliers, as fake or grey-market stock is a risk
• Check the rules on shipping perfume, as it is flammable and couriers may have restrictions
• Distance selling rules give customers cancellation and returns rights, so check what applies
• Check cosmetics and product safety rules if you sell your own mixed or decanted products
• Product liability and public liability insurance, and a check with your landlord or mortgage lender if you store stock at home

Startup costs are typically around £1,000 to £5,000, depending on how much stock you buy, how you set up your online shop and what packaging you need. These are estimates, so plan your own opening stock carefully.

Monthly revenue is typically around £500 to £3,500, depending on your range, pricing, how many orders you get and the time you spend. The estimates start from about eight hours a week. Treat them as estimates only.

Check you buy only from authorised or reputable suppliers, and the rules for shipping flammable perfume with couriers. Look at distance selling rights on cancellations and returns, cosmetics safety rules if you decant or mix products, and insurance. Check with your landlord or lender if you store stock at home.