Start an online rug shop

Homeowners, renters and sometimes small businesses such as cafes and offices.

You buy rugs at trade price and sell at retail, with the margin covering delivery, returns and marketing. Free sample swatches can help sales of pricier rugs.

• Choosing products that sell
• Product photos and clear descriptions
• Customer service and handling returns

• Distance selling rules: check the 14-day cancellation and returns requirements for online sales
• Rugs are bulky and heavy, so check courier costs and damage risk before setting prices
• Check product safety and labelling requirements with Trading Standards, including fire safety for some items
• Colour differences on screen lead to returns, so use accurate photos and offer swatches
• Check whether you can store stock at home under your tenancy or mortgage terms

Startup costs are typically around £500 to £5,000, depending on whether you hold stock yourself or have a supplier send items direct. This is an estimate, so check your own costs before you commit.

Monthly revenue is typically around £300 to £3,000, depending on your range, prices and order volume. These are estimates, and revenue is not profit, so allow for courier costs and returns.

Check the 14-day cancellation and returns requirements for online sales, and product safety and labelling rules with Trading Standards, including fire safety for some items. Also check courier costs for bulky items and whether you can store stock at home.