Online sunglasses shop

Shoppers buying for holidays, festivals, driving or everyday style, plus gift buyers.

Profit on each pair sold, with extras such as cases, cleaning cloths and straps. Sales usually peak in spring and summer.

• Choosing products that sell
• Online marketing and social media
• Customer service and handling returns

• Sunglasses are usually treated as consumer products or personal protective equipment, so check UKCA/CE marking and UV protection requirements with Trading Standards
• Avoid fakes, as selling counterfeit branded eyewear is illegal
• Check your distance selling and returns obligations to online customers
• Check whether you need to register for VAT as sales grow, and whether your supplier invoices include import costs
• Stock can be left unsold at the end of summer

Startup costs are typically around £500 to £4,000, depending on how much stock you buy, your website and marketing. Stock can be left unsold at the end of summer, so consider starting with a small range.

Things to check: UKCA/CE marking and UV protection requirements with Trading Standards, avoiding fakes as counterfeit branded eyewear is illegal, distance selling and returns obligations, and whether you need to register for VAT as sales grow.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £300 to £4,000, depending on your range, marketing and the time of year. The estimate assumes at least about 8 hours of work a week.