Online bare wood furniture shop

DIY fans, upcyclers, first-time home buyers, renters on a budget and people who want furniture in a particular colour or finish.

You sell each piece at a markup on the trade price. Extras like sandpaper, primer, paint and brushes add to each order.

• Online selling and product listings
• Good photos and clear descriptions
• Customer service
• Organising suppliers and deliveries

• Furniture sold in the UK must meet fire safety rules for upholstered items and general product safety rules, check with Trading Standards
• Consumer rights rules for online sales, including the 14 day cancellation right, so check your returns policy
• Large items are costly to ship and easy to damage, so agree delivery terms with suppliers first
• Public liability and product liability insurance are worth checking
• Check whether you need to register with HMRC and when VAT might apply

Startup costs are typically around £500 to £4,000, depending on whether you hold stock or use suppliers who ship direct, and on your website and photography. These are estimates, so agree delivery terms with suppliers first.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £300 to £3,000, depending on your range, your prices and how well your listings and photos attract buyers. Large items are costly to ship and easy to damage, so check your margins.

Check furniture fire safety and general product safety rules with Trading Standards, and consumer rights rules for online sales, including the 14-day cancellation right and your returns policy. Also check insurance, HMRC registration and when VAT might apply.