Online workwear and safety gear store
Sell workwear, boots and safety gear online to tradespeople and small firms, with dropshipping or a small stock.
- £500-5k
- Side hustle
- Online
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
What it is
A website selling workwear, boots and protective kit, either shipped by wholesalers on your behalf or from a small stock kept at home. You focus on a niche such as a single trade or women's workwear.
Your first three steps
- Pick a niche, such as electricians, plumbers or hospitality, and check what online competitors offer
- Ask wholesalers whether they offer dropshipping and what their trading terms and returns policies are
- Set up a simple online shop with a small range, clear sizing guides and a returns page
Who pays
Tradespeople, small employers and farms who buy online, plus people starting a new job that needs a uniform or safety kit.
How it makes money
Mark-up on each product, with extra income from repeat customers, bundles and bulk orders for small businesses.
Skills that help
- Basic website and online shop setup
- Product descriptions and photos
- Customer service by email and phone
- Stock and order tracking
Watch out for
- Safety gear should meet the relevant UK standards, so check with suppliers and Trading Standards
- Consumer rights on online sales and returns, including the 14-day cancellation period for most distance sales
- High return rates on sized items such as boots, which can eat into margins
- Working from home may need permission from your landlord or mortgage lender if you keep stock there
Deep research report · UK
Everything you need to start: online workwear and safety gear store
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
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start an online workwear store?
Startup costs are estimates, typically around £500 to £5,000, depending on your website, whether you dropship or hold a small stock, and your marketing. Dropshipping may keep early costs lower than buying stock.
How much can an online workwear store earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around £500 to £4,000, depending on your niche, prices and how many customers you reach. High return rates on sized items such as boots can eat into margins, so keep an eye on them.
What rules should I check before selling workwear online?
Safety gear should meet the relevant UK standards, so check with suppliers and Trading Standards. Check consumer rights on online sales and returns, including the 14-day cancellation period for most distance sales, and permission to keep stock at home.
Other ways to run this business
Similar retail ideas
Online refurbished phones and accessories
Sell tested second-hand phones, cases and chargers online from home, with simple repairs as an extra.
- £500-5k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online menswear shop
Sell shirts, trousers and smart wear to men through your own website or online marketplaces.
- £1k-5k
- Side hustle
- Online
Flamenco kit stall at classes and festivals
Bring flamenco shoes and dresswear to classes, workshops and festivals for try-on and same-day sales.
- £1k-5k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Online fabric and haberdashery shop
Sell curated fabrics, trims and sewing supplies to UK makers through your own website or marketplaces.
- £1k-5k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online computer accessories shop
Sell keyboards, mice, cables and storage online from home to buyers across the UK.
- £1k-5k
- Side hustle
- Online
Delivery-only blocks, paving and slabs supplier
Sell concrete blocks, paving and slabs to builders and homeowners, with manufacturers delivering direct to site.
- £1k-5k
- Part-time
- From home