Online telecoms and network kit reseller

Small IT and telecoms installers, offices, landlords, schools and other small businesses that need kit quickly and in small quantities.

You earn the margin between the wholesale price and your selling price. Extra income can come from bundles, configuration or pre-setup services, and repeat orders from trade customers.

• Knowing networking and phone equipment well enough to advise
• Sales and account handling
• Organised stock and order management

• Electrical equipment sellers may have WEEE obligations, check what applies to you with the Environment Agency or your nation's regulator
• Check that products carry the right UK safety and radio equipment markings, and avoid grey imports or fakes
• Distributors may want credit checks or minimum order values before opening a trade account
• Margins can be thin, so check your prices against competitors before you buy stock
• Business and consumer sales have different returns rules, check which apply to you
• Public liability and product liability insurance, and VAT registration once you pass the threshold

Startup costs are typically around £1,500 to £8,000, depending on whether you hold stock or ship direct from suppliers. These are estimates. Distributors may want credit checks or minimum order values before opening a trade account.

Monthly revenue is typically around £1,000 to £5,000, depending on your range, prices and trade customers. These are estimates. Margins can be thin, so check your prices against competitors before you buy stock.

Check any WEEE obligations with the Environment Agency or your nation's regulator, and that products carry the right UK safety and radio equipment markings. Also check which returns rules apply to business and consumer sales, and VAT once you pass the threshold.