Online refurbished computer seller

Students, families on a budget, home workers and small businesses wanting affordable, reliable machines.

You earn the margin between what you pay for used stock and your selling price, plus small extras such as upgrades, accessories and paid warranties.

• Comfortable fixing and upgrading computers
• Spotting good-value stock when buying
• Clear product listings and photos
• Good customer service and returns handling

• Securely wiping all data and keeping records of it (check data protection guidance from the ICO)
• Operating system licensing: check you are allowed to install and sell with the software you use
• Distance selling rules give online buyers cancellation and return rights, so check consumer law
• Electrical goods rules and WEEE (electrical waste) obligations for sellers: check with your local trading standards or the Environment Agency
• Buying stolen goods: keep receipts and seller details for all stock

Startup costs are typically around £500 to £4,000, depending on how much stock you buy, the tools and upgrades you need, and how you set up your online selling. Treat this as an estimate and price up your own plan.

Securely wiping all data and keeping records of it is something to check, using data protection guidance from the ICO. Also check you are allowed to install and sell with the operating system software you use, and keep receipts for stock.

Monthly revenue is typically around £500 to £5,000, depending on how much stock you move, the prices you achieve and the channels you sell through. These are estimates rather than guarantees, and revenue is not the same as profit.