Start an online skate shop

Hobby and fitness skaters, parents buying for children, and local skate clubs and teams.

You buy from suppliers at trade price and sell at a margin. Parts and protective gear bring repeat orders and help balance the cost of stocking skates.

• Good product knowledge of skates and gear
• Customer service and sizing advice
• Basic website or marketplace selling
• Stock and order tracking

• Distance selling rules: check customers' right to cancel and return online orders
• Cash tied up in stock, especially in many sizes, so start with a small range
• Some brands restrict who can sell their products or at what price, check supplier terms
• Public liability and product liability insurance, check what cover you need
• VAT registration once turnover passes the threshold

Startup costs are typically around £1,500 to £7,000, depending on the stock range and website or marketplace set-up you choose. This is an estimate, and starting with a small range helps limit cash tied up in stock.

Monthly revenue is typically around £500 to £4,000, depending on your range, prices and how many orders you get. These are estimates, and revenue is not profit, so allow for the cost of stock.

Check distance selling rules, including customers' right to cancel and return online orders. Also check supplier terms on who can sell their products or at what price, insurance cover, and VAT registration once turnover passes the threshold.