Looking for any advice on starting a shopify/dropshipping business

[StormV]

I'm currently looking into starting a shopify or drop shipping business but I'm having alot of issues trying to work out a few things.

Although I wouldn't be shipping the products directly would I need some kind of public liability insurance?

I also can't seem to work out exactly how I go about paying VAT/ how it is worked out.

I'm already self employed but without any of these obligations so any advice on the above or how it will effect my current self employment status is most welcome.

Thanks in advance ?

 

[Scalloway]

I also can't seem to work out exactly how I go about paying VAT/ how it is worked out.

For a start you only need to worry about VAT if your sales exceed £85,000 per annum. It can be beneficial to register if your turnover is less but I would suggest you don't bother until you get the business going.

You register online with HMRC for VAT. You then need to record all your business income and expenses so that you can file your quarterly VAT return. This is best done with accounting software.

Insurance for online sellers.

Ecommerce Business Insurance 2025: Affordable Options - Shopify UK

Need coverage for your online store? Discover the top ecommerce business insurance vendors and tips for finding the right one.

www.shopify.co.uk

 

[StormV]

For a start you only need to worry about VAT if your sales exceed £85,000 per annum. It can be beneficial to register if your turnover is less but I would suggest you don't bother until you get the business going.

You register online with HMRC for VAT. You then need to record all your business income and expenses so that you can file your quarterly VAT return. This is best done with accounting software.

Insurance for online sellers.

Ecommerce Business Insurance 2025: Affordable Options - Shopify UK

Need coverage for your online store? Discover the top ecommerce business insurance vendors and tips for finding the right one.

www.shopify.co.uk

Thankyou for that really useful information!!

 

[MOIC]

Although I wouldn't be shipping the products directly would I need some kind of public liability insurance?

Depending on the products you'll be selling, you may need product liability insurance.

 

[StormV]

Depending on the products you'll be selling, you may need product liability insurance.

Thankyou!

 

[Paul Kelly ICHYB]

shopify or drop shipping business

What is a Shopify business? Shopify is a platform, like lots of others, not a type of business.

The fact that you have not said 'I want to start a shop selling x', I would guess that you are a long way from that route.

Dropshipping is very different, but, if you is minimal investment. The downside is what suppliers you use. If outside the UK, one refund can kill a weeks profit in a second. You also should focus on a specific area/market, not just do a bit of everything!

 

[Winx]

a lot of people get caught out when they have established dropshipping websites, as even though you might not ever see the physical goods yourself, when the customer purchases, that transaction is between you and the customer. the monies are settled into your bank - unless you want to operate similar to that or a Marketplace platform and use something like Mirakl or Paypals Marketplace version which keeps funds in seperate account.

The point is, you are liable for every product you sell on your website where the customer pays you money directly. Product type is key, but you are still liable - just certain product types carry much more risk. i.e dropshipping medical supplies, or baby / kids toys from China would not be the smartest thing to do without doing very thorough due diligence on the products you are wanting to offer.

The fact you said Shopify makes me think you have seen some quick win videos using Oberlo and Aliexpress.

It has been a couple of months since you originally posted, would be very interested to hear how you are getting on

 

[UKSBD]

Hi,

we are Wholesale / Retail of kids bedding sets with bog brands like Disney kids bedding set .

we are looking for dropshipping sellers that able to sell on Amazon, Walmart,Target, etc...

please email us for more info from our site.

Thanks

Baby Bedding Design

When you are a wholesaler of Disney products I assume your licenced and have permission to use Disney images and trademarks.

How does this work with regards dropshippers and affiliates?

Can dropshippers/affiliates use the images, descriptions, trademarks you provide or do they have to get a direct licence from Disney too?

If you provided an image to a dropshipper and Disney came after the dropshipper for using an image do you offer protection and cover the dropshipper/affiliate?

 

[babybeddingdes]

When you are a wholesaler of Disney products I assume your licenced and have permission to use Disney images and trademarks.

How does this work with regards dropshippers and affiliates?

Can dropshippers/affiliates use the images, descriptions, trademarks you provide or do they have to get a direct licence from Disney too?

If you provided an image to a dropshipper and Disney came after the dropshipper for using an image do you offer protection and cover the dropshipper/affiliate?

1) Disney licenced - yes sure.
2) dropshippers can use our images, descriptions .
3) How does this work with regards dropshippers- please register on our site and will change your account to dropshipping seller. you will then see new prices on our site and will get CSV file with all the EAN +images+info

Thanks
Baby Bedding Design