Storage and pick-and-pack for online sellers

Rent a small unit, store stock for local online sellers and pack their orders for a monthly fee.

Forklift moving pallets between tall shelving in a large storage warehouse.

Startup cost£12k to £40k

Monthly revenue£1.5k to £7k

Time needed15+ h/week

First incomeMonths

£12k-40k
Part-time
Own premises

Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.

Official data

8,700 UK companies in this field, 31% registered in the last 2 years

SIC 52103 “Operation of warehousing and storage facilities for land transport activities”. Source: Companies House, November 2026.

What it is

You lease a small industrial unit and fit it with shelving. You store stock for small online sellers, then pick, pack and post their orders. You handle the storage and handling so they don't have to.

Your first three steps

Look at small units to rent locally and compare rent, business rates and lease terms
Price your services by checking what local fulfilment and storage firms charge, then write a simple rate card
Approach local sellers and maker groups and offer a discounted trial month to your first few clients

Who pays

Small online shops, makers, Etsy and eBay sellers, and small brands that have outgrown their spare room.

How it makes money

Monthly storage fees per shelf or pallet space, plus a fee per item picked and packed, and sometimes charges for goods received or returns.

Skills that help

Organised and accurate with stock
Reliable with deadlines and couriers
Comfortable with simple stock software
Clear communication with clients

Watch out for

Budget for upfront costs: a lease deposit and first rent, shelving, packing benches, a scales and label printer, packing materials, insurance and stock software can add up quickly
Lease terms: check the length, break clauses and what you are liable for before signing
Check with the council that the unit's permitted use covers storage and distribution
Business rates and whether any relief may apply
Insurance: public liability, buildings or contents cover, and cover for customers' stock held in your care
Fire safety risk assessment and safe manual handling
Agree in writing who is responsible for lost or damaged stock
Be careful with food, chemicals or other goods that may need special rules

Deep research report · UK

Everything you need to start: storage and pick-and-pack for online sellers

Researched with live web search for United Kingdom: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.

Startup costs with real prices
Licences, registration and rules
Pricing: what others charge
Break-even example
Finding your first customers
30-day launch plan
Risks and how to reduce them

Ready in about 2 minutes · one-off payment, tax included

See a full sample report

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start a pick-and-pack business?

Estimates typically put startup costs at around £12,000 to £40,000, depending on the unit and equipment. Budget for a lease deposit and first rent, shelving, packing benches, scales, a label printer, packing materials, insurance and stock software.

How much can a small fulfilment business earn?

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £1,500 to £7,000, depending on how many clients you take on and the volume of orders. That is revenue before rent, rates and other costs.

What should I check before leasing a unit for fulfilment?

Check the lease length, break clauses and liabilities, and ask the council whether the unit's permitted use covers storage and distribution. Also check business rates, insurance including cover for customers' stock, fire safety, and agree in writing who is responsible for lost or damaged stock.