Online seasonal decorations and gifts shop

Online shoppers across the UK buying for themselves, family and friends, plus some small businesses wanting seasonal decor.

You sell products at a markup over wholesale or making cost, plus any personalisation fee. Most sales come in the weeks before each main festival.

• Setting up and running a web shop
• Product photos and descriptions
• Packing and posting orders
• Basic online marketing

• Consumer rights rules for online sales, including the 14-day cancellation right for most distance sales, check the details for your products
• Product safety and labelling rules for items like lights, candles and children's products
• Late deliveries in peak season, so set cut-off dates and keep a buffer
• Stock storage at home, check any restrictions with your landlord or mortgage lender
• Register as a sole trader with HMRC and keep an eye on the VAT threshold

Startup costs are typically around £500 to £4,000, depending on the stock you buy, your website setup and packaging supplies. Treat this as an estimate and think about starting with a niche, such as personalised decorations.

Check consumer rights for online sales, including the 14-day cancellation right for most distance sales, and product safety and labelling rules for lights, candles and children's products. Also register as a sole trader with HMRC and watch the VAT threshold.

Monthly revenue is typically around £200 to £3,000, depending on your products, pricing and marketing. These are estimates, and peak-season demand means late deliveries are a risk, so set cut-off dates and keep a buffer.