Online sewing thread shop

Home sewers, dressmakers, quilters, embroiderers, upholsterers and small craft businesses who want reliable thread without a trip to a shop.

You buy reels or cones at trade prices and sell them at a mark-up, with extra sales from colour bundles, starter sets and repeat orders.

• Knowing thread types and what they are used for
• Stock and order organising
• Basic online selling and photography
• Customer service

• Register as a sole trader with HMRC and keep records of your sales and stock
• Check VAT rules once your turnover grows
• Check consumer rules for online sales, including returns and distance selling
• Colours can look different on screen, so describe them clearly to limit returns
• Check whether your landlord or mortgage lender allows storing stock at home
• Tying up money in slow-selling colours is a common risk

Startup costs are typically around £500 to £3,000, depending on how much thread stock you buy and how you set up your website or marketplace shop. Money tied up in slow-selling colours is a common risk.

Monthly revenue is typically around £300 to £2,500, depending on your range, pricing and how many customers you reach. That is revenue, not profit, and slow-selling colours can tie up cash.

Check that you register as a sole trader with HMRC and keep sales and stock records, and look at VAT rules as turnover grows. Also check consumer rules for online sales, and whether your landlord or mortgage lender allows storing stock at home.