Online packing supplies shop

People moving home, landlords, students, letting agents and small removal firms.

You buy in bulk from wholesalers and sell at a markup, with bundles for 1 to 4 bedroom moves raising the average order value.

• Organising stock and orders
• Basic online shop setup
• Customer service
• Comparing supplier prices

• Boxes are bulky, so delivery costs can wipe out your margin. Check courier prices before setting your own
• Storage space for stock, and whether your landlord or mortgage lender allows it at home
• Distance selling rules for online sales, including customer returns, are worth checking
• Register as a sole trader with HMRC and check your insurance, such as product liability and stock cover

Startup costs are typically around £800 to £4,000, depending on how much stock you buy, your website setup and storage. These are estimates, so check courier prices first, as bulky boxes can make delivery costs wipe out your margin.

Monthly revenue is typically around £500 to £3,500, depending on your product range, pricing and how many orders you ship. Delivery costs on bulky items can eat into margins, so check them before setting prices.

Check distance selling rules for online sales, including customer returns, and whether your landlord or mortgage lender allows stock storage at home. Also register as a sole trader with HMRC and check insurance such as product liability and stock cover.