Online woodworking supplies shop

Hobby woodworkers, makers, small joinery workshops and people doing DIY projects at home.

Profit on each item sold, usually buying from wholesalers or suppliers and adding a margin. Bundles and starter kits can raise the average order value.

• Knowing woodworking products and what makers need
• Stock and order management
• Basic online selling and photography
• Customer service

• Distance selling rules: check your obligations on returns, refunds and clear product information
• Some finishes, solvents and aerosols are classed as hazardous goods, so check storage and courier restrictions
• Product safety and labelling rules for items you sell, especially chemicals and power tools
• Cash tied up in stock, so start with fast-selling lines
• Check whether your landlord, mortgage lender or insurer allows stock storage at home
• Public liability and product liability insurance

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £1,000 to £5,000, depending on how much stock you buy and how you set up your website. Starting with a small niche range of fast-selling lines helps limit the cash tied up in stock.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £500 to £4,000, depending on your niche, range and how much traffic you attract. That is revenue, not profit, so stock, postage and fees come out of it.

Check your distance selling obligations on returns, refunds and product information. Also check hazardous goods rules for finishes, solvents and aerosols, including storage and courier limits, plus product safety and labelling rules for chemicals and power tools.