Online plus size clothing shop

Adults who find the choice and fit in standard high street shops limited, buying for themselves or as gifts.

You buy at wholesale prices and sell at a mark-up. Extra income can come from accessories and from selling a few pieces under your own label later on.

• Eye for fit, fabric and style
• Social media and basic online marketing
• Stock and order management
• Friendly, body-positive customer service

• Distance selling rules give online customers a right to cancel and return, so check what you must offer on refunds
• High return rates for clothing can eat into profit, so work out the cost of returns before you set prices
• Unsold stock in the wrong sizes ties up cash, so start small and reorder what sells
• Register as self-employed or set up a company, and check when VAT registration becomes compulsory
• Check product labelling and safety rules, especially for children's clothing and anything flammable or with cords

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £1,000 to £6,000, depending on how much stock you buy in, your website or marketplace set-up, and photography. Starting small and reordering what sells helps avoid unsold stock tying up cash.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around £500 to £5,000, depending on your niche, range and marketing. Clothing can have high return rates, so work out the cost of returns before setting prices. Estimates start from about 10 hours a week.

Check distance selling rules, which give online customers a right to cancel and return, including what you must offer on refunds. Register as self-employed or set up a company, and check when VAT registration becomes compulsory. Check labelling and safety rules, especially for children's clothing.