Online plywood and sheet board shop

Joiners, small builders, shopfitters, van fitters, makers and DIY customers who want boards delivered without a trip to a merchant.

You earn the margin between your trade price and your selling price, plus charges for cutting and delivery. Selling cut-to-size boards or bundles can earn more than selling full sheets.

• Knowing board types and grades
• Online selling and customer service
• Organising orders and deliveries

• Timber legality rules: check what records you must keep about where your wood comes from
• Check whether products need markings or certification for structural or fire-rated use, and describe them accurately
• Large, heavy boards are easily damaged in transit, and delivery costs can wipe out your margin
• Public liability and product liability insurance, and a safe place to store stock if you hold any
• Check distance selling and returns rules for consumer customers

Startup costs are typically around £1,000 to £5,000, depending on your website, any stock you hold and your storage. These are estimates. Delivery costs for heavy boards can wipe out your margin, so price carefully.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £800 to £4,000, depending on your range, customers and delivery arrangements. Large boards are easily damaged in transit, which can affect what you keep.

Check timber legality rules and what records you must keep about where your wood comes from. Also check markings or certification for structural or fire-rated use, distance selling and returns rules, and public liability and product liability insurance.