Online tile shop with samples

Homeowners doing renovations, small builders and tilers who prefer ordering online, and landlords buying in bulk.

You earn the difference between your trade price and your selling price, plus add-ons such as adhesive, grout and trims. Sample fees can help cover postage.

• Setting up and running an online shop
• Product descriptions and clear photos
• Customer service by phone, email or chat
• Working out tile quantities and delivery costs

• Distance selling and returns rules for consumers, so check the current guidance on cancellation rights and cut-to-order or special-order items
• Damage in transit and who pays, so agree clear terms with your suppliers
• Pallet delivery costs and access problems, which can make small orders unprofitable
• Public liability and product liability insurance, and any rules on product labelling and performance information, so check with your suppliers
• VAT registration once your turnover passes the threshold, and whether running the business from home needs permission from a landlord or mortgage lender

Startup costs are typically around £1,500 to £8,000, depending on your website, samples, branding and supplier arrangements. Treat these as estimates and compare quotes before you commit.

Monthly revenue is typically around £1,000 to £5,000, depending on your range, pricing, marketing and how many orders you win. Pallet delivery costs can make small orders unprofitable, so price carefully.

Check distance selling and returns rules, including cancellation rights for cut-to-order or special-order items. Also check public liability and product liability insurance, product labelling rules with your suppliers, VAT registration once turnover passes the threshold, and whether you need permission to run the business from home.