Online skate shop with custom builds

Beginners, parents buying for children, and regular skaters who want parts or a custom setup without a trip to a shop.

Margin on each item sold, plus a small assembly fee or a higher margin on complete custom boards. Repeat sales of wheels, bearings, grip tape and decks add up.

• Knowing skateboard parts and what suits different riders
• Building and setting up boards by hand
• Social media and basic website management
• Packing and posting orders reliably

• Distributors may require proof of a trading business before opening a trade account, so check their terms
• Consumer rules on online sales, such as the 14 day cancellation right and returns, so check GOV.UK guidance
• Public liability and product liability insurance, and stock cover if you hold goods at home
• Tied-up cash in stock, as sizes and brands of clothing and shoes can be slow to sell
• Check if your landlord, mortgage lender or council needs to agree to storing stock at home

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £1,000 to £5,000, depending on how much stock you hold and how much you dropship. A smaller starting range can keep the upfront figure lower while you learn what sells.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around £500 to £3,500, depending on your range, how many custom builds you sell and how well you promote the shop. That is revenue rather than profit, so stock and postage costs come out of it.

Check the consumer rules on online sales, including the 14 day cancellation right and returns, on GOV.UK. Also check insurance such as public and product liability, distributor trade account terms, and whether your landlord, lender or council must agree to home stock.