Online surgical supplies shop for students

Nursing, medical, dental and veterinary students, plus clinicians, practice managers and small clinics.

Mark-up on each item bought from wholesalers, with extra from bundled kits, such as a first-year starter pack, and repeat orders from clinics.

• Online selling and basic website setup
• Careful stock and order tracking
• Customer service and product knowledge

• Medical device rules: check with the MHRA that each product you sell is properly marked and that your supplier can show the paperwork
• Avoid prescription-only and pharmacy-only medicines, as selling those has separate rules
• Sterile and sharp items need careful storage, packing and returns policies
• Product liability and public liability insurance, check what your insurer needs for medical items
• Running stock from home may need permission from your landlord or mortgage lender

Startup costs are typically around £1,500 to £7,500, depending on your website, opening stock and insurance. These are estimates, so check what your insurer needs for medical items and what your suppliers charge.

Check with the MHRA that each product is properly marked and that your supplier can show the paperwork. Avoid prescription-only and pharmacy-only medicines, and check insurance and storage rules for sterile and sharp items.

Monthly revenue is typically around £1,000 to £5,000, depending on your range, prices and how many students and clinicians you reach. The estimate assumes at least 10 hours a week for orders, stock tracking and customer service.