Online reptile supplies store

Reptile keepers who can't reach a specialist shop, or who want better range and prices than they find locally.

Margin on products and postage, with repeat orders for food, bulbs and substrate. Bundled starter kits can lift the average order.

• Good knowledge of reptile equipment and care
• Basic online shop setup and product listings
• Order packing and stock control
• Customer service by email or chat

• Selling live animals online and by post raises welfare and licensing questions, so check with your council and keep to supplies unless you've confirmed otherwise
• Check whether running a business from home needs permission from your landlord, mortgage lender or council
• Consumer rules on distance selling, returns and clear product information
• Frozen and live food needs suitable storage and careful delivery, and bulky items can make postage costly
• Product liability and public liability insurance, and VAT once you reach the threshold

Startup costs are typically around £2,000 to £10,000, depending on how much stock you buy and how you set up your website. These are estimates only. Bulky items can make postage costly, so factor that into your plans.

Monthly revenue is typically around £800 to £4,000, depending on your range, pricing and how many customers you reach. That is sales before costs, and these figures are estimates. Expect to put in at least around 10 hours a week.

Check with your council on welfare and licensing questions, and keep to supplies unless you've confirmed otherwise. Also check consumer rules on distance selling and returns, storage and delivery of frozen food, insurance, VAT, and any permission needed to run from home.