Start an online niche stationery store

Hobbyists, students, planner and journalling fans and gift buyers across the UK.

Profit on each item sold after stock, postage and platform fees. Bundles, gift sets and repeat customers help raise the average order value.

• Product sourcing
• Photography and basic web design
• Social media and online marketing
• Packing and order handling

• Distance selling rules, including customers' right to cancel and clear returns information, so check the current rules
• Importing from overseas can bring customs duty, VAT and delays, so check costs before ordering
• Product safety and labelling rules, especially for items aimed at children
• Running stock from home may need permission from your landlord or mortgage lender, so check
• Postage and platform fees can squeeze margins, so price carefully

Startup costs are typically around £500 to £3,000, depending on your stock, website or marketplace set-up and packaging. These are estimates, so check import costs and fees before ordering stock.

Monthly revenue is typically around £200 to £2,500, depending on your range, pricing and marketing. These are estimates, and postage and platform fees can squeeze margins, so price carefully.

Check distance selling rules, including customers' right to cancel and returns information. Also check customs duty and VAT on imports, product safety and labelling rules, and whether you need landlord or mortgage lender permission to keep stock at home.