So you’ve got a product — maybe handmade tote bags, African print headwraps, or fashion accessories inspired by your culture — and now you're wondering:
“How do I actually start selling this online in the UK?”
You're not alone! A few weeks ago, I got this exact question in my inbox:
"Could you recommend steps I must take in the UK to start selling online? I can make tote bags at the moment. What platforms would you recommend?"
If you’ve been sitting on an idea and want to make 2025 the year you launch your online fashion brand, this post is for you.
Let’s break it down step by step.
Step 1: Prepare to Launch — But Don’t Register Just Yet
A lot of new business owners think they need to register their business the moment they come up with their idea.
But in reality, you only need to register once you're ready to start accepting payments.
💡 Here’s why:
Registering your business allows you to open a business bank account — and that’s where you’ll want all your future profits to go. Keeping business and personal money separate is a key step in setting yourself up like a real CEO.
So before registering, use your time to:
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Finalize your product(s)
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Work on branding and packaging
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Research pricing and profit margins
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Build your content (photos, videos, descriptions)
Once you're about 1–2 weeks out from launching and feel confident you’re ready to start accepting money — then register as a sole trader or limited company via gov.uk.
Step 2: Get Your Product Content Together
Selling online is a visual experience — especially in fashion.
Before you upload anything to a website or marketplace, you’ll want:
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📸 Crisp, clear product photos (white background + lifestyle)
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📝 Detailed descriptions (size, materials, care instructions)
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📦 Packaging options that reflect your brand
Think of your listing as your storefront. If someone’s never met you or touched your product before, will this content make them confident enough to buy?
Step 3: Choose the Right Selling Platforms
There are plenty of options to start selling online, but here are 5 I’d recommend for UK-based fashion entrepreneurs:
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Etsy – Great for handmade and niche products. It already has traffic and people looking for unique goods.
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Shopify – Perfect if you want to build your own online store and brand. More control, more growth potential.
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Folksy – A UK-based alternative to Etsy. It’s smaller, but it supports handmade-only sellers.
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Instagram/Facebook Shop – Social platforms are perfect for visually-driven brands. You can tag your products right in your posts.
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TikTok Shop (UK) – If you’re up for being on camera (even occasionally), this platform is HOT right now for product-based businesses.
🌟 Tip: You don’t need to be on all platforms at once. Start with one or two, and scale as you grow.
Step 4: Set Up for Success (Even if You’re Just Starting Small)
Don’t worry if you’re starting with a few products and a basic setup. What matters is the foundation. Start how you want to grow.
Ask yourself:
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Do I have a clear niche and target customer?
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Is my pricing sustainable and profitable?
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Am I building an email list from the start?
Even if you're just selling tote bags today — you could be running a full African fashion brand tomorrow. It all starts with treating your idea like a real business.
Ready to Launch Your African Fashion Brand the Right Way?
I created a powerful resource to help you move with clarity and confidence:
🎯 100-Point Checklist: How to Start Your African Fashion Brand
It covers everything from business setup to branding, marketing, platforms, and growth strategies.
👉🏾 Download it free here:
https://adelaideolu.kit.com/checklistfree
Whether you're selling tote bags, kaftans, accessories, or anything in between — this checklist will guide you through what really matters.
Final Thoughts:
Starting a business doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
When you break it into focused, intentional steps — and get support from someone who’s done it before — it becomes achievable.
You don’t need to figure it out alone.
If you’d like to work together to launch or grow your online fashion business, reply to this post with the word "COACH" + your mobile number, and I’ll personally reach out.
Let’s turn your creative talent into a business that gives you freedom, fulfillment, and income on your terms.