Online screen printing supply shop

Hobby printers, crafters, small clothing brands, art students, schools and community groups.

You buy at trade prices and sell at a mark-up, either from your own stock or by dropping orders to suppliers. Starter kits and repeat ink orders help build steady sales.

• Knowing screen printing products and how they are used
• Online selling and basic website skills
• Stock control and packing orders
• Customer service

• Some inks and chemicals (such as emulsion remover and solvents) may have rules on storage, labelling and postage, so check with your suppliers and carriers
• Consumer law on returns and distance selling applies to online sales, check the current rules
• Stock tied up in slow-selling items, start small
• Check whether you need permission to store stock at home from your landlord or mortgage lender
• Public liability or product liability insurance, check what suits your set-up

Startup costs are typically around £1,000 to £5,000, depending on your website, the stock you buy and packing supplies. These are estimates. Starting small helps avoid stock tied up in slow-selling items.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £400 to £2,500, depending on your range, prices, marketing and how many customers you reach. Many people start with around 8 hours a week and grow from there.

Check whether inks and chemicals such as emulsion remover and solvents have rules on storage, labelling and postage, by asking suppliers and carriers. Also check consumer law on returns and distance selling, and insurance such as public or product liability.