Online stamp and philatelic shop

Hobby collectors, people completing country or topic collections, and beginners buying starter kits and albums.

You sell stamps and supplies for more than you paid. Singles and sets can be sold individually, while albums and accessories give steadier everyday sales. Marketplace and payment fees come out of each sale.

• Knowledge of stamps and how to grade them
• Patient sorting and accurate listing
• Clear photography and descriptions
• Packing small items safely

• Forgeries and reprints: only sell what you can describe honestly, and say clearly if an item's condition or authenticity is uncertain
• Online selling rules on returns and cancellations, check the current requirements for distance sales
• Whether your income is above the HMRC trading allowance, and if you need to register as a sole trader
• Insurance for stock in the post and at home, and whether your home insurer covers business use
• Marketplace and payment fees, which can eat into low-value sales

Startup costs are typically around £500 to £3,000, depending on how much stock you buy, plus supplies, photography and packing materials. These are estimates, so start with a modest first batch of stock.

Check the current requirements for distance sales, including returns and cancellations. Also check whether your income is above the HMRC trading allowance and whether you need to register as a sole trader. Only sell items you can describe honestly, given forgeries and reprints.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £300 to £2,500, depending on your stock and how often you list. Marketplace and payment fees can eat into low-value sales, so factor them in.