Start an online shelving and storage shop

Homeowners sorting garages, lofts and kitchens, plus small businesses, shops, offices and workshops that need organised space.

You earn the margin between your selling price and the supplier's price. Extras such as delivery charges, bundles and optional assembly or fitting can add to this.

• Choosing products and spotting a niche
• Online selling and basic website skills
• Clear customer service and order handling

• Online sales rules such as the cancellation and returns rights for consumers, check the current guidance
• Product safety and accurate load limits, shelving that fails can cause injury or damage
• Bulky delivery costs and damage in transit, check who is responsible when items arrive broken
• Register as a sole trader or company, and check when VAT registration is needed as sales grow
• Relying on one supplier, as stock or price changes can hit you quickly

Startup costs are typically around £800 to £4,000, depending on your website or marketplace setup, any stock you hold and how you handle supplier delivery. Treat this as an estimate and plan your own budget before launching.

Monthly revenue is typically around £800 to £4,000, depending on your niche, product range and how well you attract customers. The estimate assumes from about 10 hours a week, so actual results will vary.

Check the current guidance on consumer cancellation and returns rights. Check product safety and accurate load limits, who is responsible for items damaged in transit, and when VAT registration is needed. Also consider the risk of relying on one supplier.