Online sheet music shop

Music students, parents, instrument teachers, school music departments, choirs and amateur bands.

You buy at trade price from publishers or distributors and sell at retail price. Postage charges and bundles, such as a full exam grade set for teachers, add a little extra.

• Knowing your chosen instrument or genre well
• Organised stock and order handling
• Basic website and online listing skills

• Only sell legitimately published copies; photocopying or reselling unlicensed copies breaks copyright
• If you sell digital downloads, check that your publisher or distributor licence allows it
• Check the consumer rules for distance selling, including cancellation and returns
• Competition from large online retailers, so a clear niche and good advice matter
• Check with your landlord or mortgage lender if you store stock at home

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £600 to £3,000, depending on your website or marketplace set-up and how much stock you buy. A clear niche can help you start with a smaller range.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around £400 to £2,000, depending on your niche, range and how well you reach students, teachers, choirs and bands. Large online retailers are competition, so good advice matters.

Only sell legitimately published copies, as photocopying or reselling unlicensed copies breaks copyright. If you sell downloads, check your publisher or distributor licence allows it. Check the distance selling rules on cancellation and returns.