Start an online independent toy shop

Parents, grandparents and other relatives buying gifts, plus some nurseries and schools buying activity items.

You buy at trade price and sell at retail price. Gift bundles, personalised items and busy seasons such as Christmas and birthdays help lift the average order.

• Choosing products people want
• Basic website and photo skills
• Organised stock and order handling
• Friendly customer service

• Toy safety: check that products carry the UKCA or CE marking as required and that you buy from reputable suppliers, and ask Trading Standards if unsure
• Distance selling rules, such as the 14-day cancellation right and clear returns information
• Stock tied up in unsold items, so start small and avoid over-ordering
• Where you store stock at home and whether your home insurance or landlord allows it
• Seasonal income, with much of the trade usually around Christmas

Startup costs are typically around £1,000 to £5,000, depending on your opening stock, website or marketplace setup and photography. Treat this as an estimate, and start small to avoid tying up money in unsold items.

Monthly revenue is typically around £300 to £3,000, depending on your niche, range and marketing. The estimate assumes from about 8 hours a week. Check that income can be seasonal, with much of the trade usually around Christmas.

Check that products carry the UKCA or CE marking as required, buy from reputable suppliers, and ask Trading Standards if unsure. Check distance selling rules such as the 14-day cancellation right, and whether your landlord or home insurance allows stock storage.