Online yarn and knitting supplies shop

Hobby knitters and crocheters, gift buyers and people learning a new craft.

You buy yarn and supplies wholesale or from indie dyers and sell at a markup. Kits and bundles raise the value of each order.

• Knowledge of yarn and knitting or crochet
• Good photography and product descriptions
• Stock and order management

• Register as a sole trader with HMRC and keep stock and sales records
• Online sales rules: check what information you must give customers and how returns work
• Stock tied up in unsold yarn, so start small
• Check whether your landlord or mortgage lender allows storing stock at home
• Postage costs and packaging, which can eat into margins

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £1,000 to £5,000, depending on how much stock you buy, your website or marketplace set-up and packaging. Starting small helps avoid money being tied up in unsold yarn.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around £300 to £2,500, depending on your niche, range and how well you present and promote products. Postage and packaging costs can eat into margins, so factor them in.

Register as a sole trader with HMRC and keep stock and sales records. Check what information you must give online customers and how returns work. Check whether your landlord or mortgage lender allows storing stock at home.