Online tool shop

DIY customers, hobbyists and small trades who buy online and want good choice, clear information and fast delivery.

Markup on each item sold. Selling bundles, kits and consumables helps raise the value of each order, and a niche range can let you avoid competing on price alone.

• Product knowledge in your chosen niche
• Writing clear product listings
• Basic online shop and marketplace set-up
• Packing and handling orders

• Check distance selling rules, including customers' right to cancel and return goods
• Check product safety, UKCA or CE marking and WEEE obligations for electrical tools
• Check restrictions on selling and delivering bladed articles
• Beware counterfeit or grey-market stock, and buy from authorised suppliers
• Heavy items and returns can eat into margins, so work out postage costs carefully
• Home use for storing stock may need permission from a landlord or insurer

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £1,500 to £7,000, depending on how much stock you hold, your website or marketplace set-up, and whether suppliers ship for you. Treat this as a guide.

Monthly revenue is typically around £1,500 to £7,500 as an estimate, depending on your range, pricing and how many orders you handle. Heavy items and returns can eat into margins, so work out postage costs carefully.

Check distance selling rules, including customers' right to cancel and return goods, and product safety, UKCA or CE marking and WEEE obligations for electrical tools. Also check restrictions on selling and delivering bladed articles, and whether storing stock at home needs landlord or insurer permission.