Online second-hand clothes seller

Shoppers wanting affordable everyday wear, including students, young families and people who like vintage or branded items.

You sell each item for more than you paid for it. Postage is usually paid by the buyer, and platforms may take a fee.

• Spotting good-quality items and brands
• Taking clear, honest photos
• Writing accurate listings
• Packing and posting orders on time

• Register as a sole trader with HMRC if you are trading regularly for profit; check the trading allowance rules
• Check each platform's fees, seller rules and what counts as a business seller
• Consumer law still applies online, so describe condition honestly and check your returns obligations
• Storage space and unsold stock can tie up your money

Startup costs are typically around £100 to £800, depending on how much stock you buy, your photo setup, packaging and any platform fees. These are estimates, so start small and see what sells before buying more.

Monthly revenue is typically around £200 to £1,500, depending on the quality of your stock, how many items you list and how many hours you put in. That is revenue, not profit, so allow for sourcing, fees and postage.

Check whether you need to register as a sole trader with HMRC if you trade regularly for profit, and the trading allowance rules. Check each platform's fees and business seller rules, and consumer law on honest descriptions and returns.