Online vacuum cleaner and spares shop

Households across the UK looking for replacement parts or a specific model, plus landlords and small businesses.

Margin on each product sold. Spares and accessories usually earn more per sale than whole machines. Dropshipping or holding a small stock are both options.

• Online selling and product listings
• Product knowledge
• Customer service by email or chat
• Basic stock and order handling

• Distance selling rules, including the 14-day cancellation right for most online sales, check the current rules
• Rules on disposing of old electrical items (WEEE), check what applies to online sellers
• Heavy competition on price from large retailers and marketplaces
• Returns and postage costs eating into margin, work these out first
• Product liability and business insurance, check what cover you need

Startup costs are typically around £500 to £5,000, depending on your stock and whether you use your own site or a marketplace. Work out returns and postage costs early, as they can eat into your margin.

Monthly revenue is typically around £500 to £5,000, depending on your range, pricing and how well you stand out. Heavy price competition from large retailers and marketplaces means it is worth checking your margins first.

Check the distance selling rules, including the 14-day cancellation right for most online sales, and what WEEE rules apply to online sellers. Also check what product liability and business insurance cover you need.