Online sportswear store for one sport or niche

Active people who want specialist kit and advice, and who are happy to buy online.

You buy at trade price and sell at retail price. The difference is your margin, which has to cover postage, returns, advertising and payment fees.

• Spotting what a niche group wants
• Basic online shop setup
• Product photos and descriptions
• Handling orders and returns

• Online sellers must follow consumer rules on distance selling and returns, so check the current guidance on GOV.UK
• Some brands restrict who can sell their products or at what price, so read trade account terms carefully
• Unsold stock in the wrong sizes can tie up your cash
• Check the rules on selling genuine, not counterfeit, branded goods
• Check whether you need product liability or stock insurance

Startup costs are typically around £1,000 to £6,000, depending on whether you hold stock or use suppliers who send orders direct, plus your shop setup. These are estimates. Unsold stock in the wrong sizes can tie up your cash.

Monthly revenue is typically around £300 to £3,000, depending on your niche, brands and how well you attract customers. This is an estimate of revenue, not profit, and it can start from around 8 hours a week.

Check the current GOV.UK guidance on distance selling and returns. Read brand trade account terms, as some restrict who can sell or at what price. Check the rules on selling genuine, not counterfeit, goods, and whether you need product liability or stock insurance.