Online welding supplies shop

Hobbyists, garage and farm workshops, fabricators, small trades businesses and welding students.

You buy at trade prices and sell at a margin, with extra income from bundles such as starter kits and from repeat orders of consumables.

• Knowing welding products well enough to advise buyers
• Online selling and basic website skills
• Stock and order management

• Consumer rights rules for online sales, including returns, so check the current distance selling rules
• Selling welding gas cylinders needs separate arrangements and safety rules, so check before you list them
• Heavy or bulky items cost a lot to post, so check carrier rates before you set prices
• Competition from big online sellers on price, so focus on advice and a clear niche
• Check whether you can store stock at home with your landlord, mortgage lender or insurer
• Product liability and stock insurance for safety kit such as helmets and gloves

Startup costs are typically around £2,000 to £10,000, depending on how much stock you buy, your website set-up and whether you start with a narrow niche. These are estimates, so compare wholesaler prices before you commit.

Monthly revenue is typically around £1,500 to £7,500, depending on your range, pricing and how well you reach hobbyists and workshops. This is an estimate of sales rather than profit, and starts from about 15 hours a week.

Check the current distance selling rules on returns, and check what arrangements and safety rules apply before listing welding gas cylinders. Also check carrier rates for heavy items, and product liability and stock insurance for safety kit such as helmets and gloves.