Online racing and performance parts shop

Club racers, rally and track day drivers, and enthusiasts who modify their own cars.

You add a mark-up to the trade price of each part. Specialist advice and a clear focus on one car scene help you compete with the big retailers on more than price.

• Good knowledge of cars and motorsport
• Building and running an online shop
• Customer service and product advice

• Distance selling rules: check the UK rules on returns, refunds and clear product information
• Some parts, such as safety equipment, may need to meet motorsport body standards, so check what your customers' events require
• Be careful about claims on road legality of parts, as exhaust and emissions rules can apply
• Product liability and public liability insurance, which you should ask an insurer about
• Register as a sole trader or company and check when VAT registration applies

Startup costs are estimated at typically around £1,000 to £8,000, depending on your website, how much stock you hold and whether suppliers send parts straight to customers. Focusing on one type of car or motorsport can help keep costs down.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around £500 to £5,000, depending on your niche, range, pricing and marketing. These are revenue figures before supplier costs, postage and other expenses.

Check UK distance selling rules on returns, refunds and clear product information. Check whether safety equipment must meet motorsport body standards, be careful about road legality claims, ask an insurer about product liability, and check when VAT applies.