Start a home saree showroom by appointment

Local families and wedding guests, often found through word of mouth, temples, community groups and social media.

Profit on each saree sold, plus add-on services such as blouse stitching, fall and pico, and styling advice. Event days can bring a burst of sales.

• Knowledge of fabrics and regional styles
• Friendly personal selling
• Stock keeping and bookkeeping

• Permission from your landlord, mortgage lender or council to receive customers at home
• Public liability insurance for visitors and event stalls, and cover for your stock
• Stall fees and any market or event trading rules, so check with the organiser or council
• Tied-up money in stock that may not sell out of season

Startup costs are typically around £1,500 to £7,000, depending on how much stock you hold, how you set up your showing space and what event stalls you take. Stock bought up front is usually the biggest part.

Check whether your landlord, mortgage lender or council allows customers to visit your home. Also check public liability insurance for visitors and stalls, cover for your stock, and stall fees or trading rules with the event organiser or council.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £400 to £3,500, depending on your stock, how many events you attend and the season. Stock may not sell out of season, which can tie up your money.