Online pottery and ceramics shop

Gift buyers, homeowners and people furnishing a kitchen or dining table.

You sell at a mark-up on what you pay potters or suppliers, with extra from gift sets, personalisation and delivery charges.

• An eye for good design and quality
• Photography and writing product descriptions
• Careful packing and order handling

• Breakages in the post, so check courier insurance and use sturdy packaging
• Distance selling rules on returns and refunds for online sales
• Product safety and labelling for items used with food, check requirements for imported ceramics
• Stock tied up in unsold items, start small
• Check whether your landlord or mortgage lender allows storing stock at home

Startup costs are typically around £500 to £3,000, depending on how much stock you buy, your packaging and the website or marketplace set-up you choose. Starting small helps avoid money being tied up in unsold items.

Check courier insurance and use sturdy packaging, as breakages in the post are a risk. Check distance selling rules on returns and refunds, and product safety and labelling for items used with food, especially imported ceramics.

Monthly revenue is typically around £300 to £3,000, depending on your range, prices and how well you reach gift buyers and homeowners. The estimate assumes at least about 8 hours a week. Start small and see what sells before buying more stock.