Online water ski and wakeboard shop

Recreational skiers and wakeboarders, club members, holiday-makers and parents buying for teenagers.

You buy at trade prices and sell at a mark-up. Accessories and wetsuits usually sell more often, while skis and boards bring larger single orders.

• Knowledge of watersports kit
• Selling online and writing clear product pages
• Customer service and handling returns

• Online sales usually come with cancellation and returns rules, so check the Consumer Contracts Regulations and set a clear returns policy
• Buoyancy aids and similar safety kit should meet UK product safety requirements, so check the markings with your supplier
• Some brands restrict who can sell their products online, so check dealer agreements
• Sales peak in spring and summer, so plan your cash flow for quiet months
• Stock insurance if you keep goods at home, and check your landlord or mortgage terms

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £2,000 to £10,000, depending on your website, the range of stock you buy and how you handle storage and delivery.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £500 to £2,500, depending on your range, your marketing and the time of year. Sales peak in spring and summer, so plan cash flow for quieter months.

Check the Consumer Contracts Regulations and set a clear returns policy. Check that buoyancy aids and safety kit carry UK product safety markings, and whether brands restrict online sellers through dealer agreements.