Baseball and softball specialty shop

Players of all ages, parents of juniors, coaches and local clubs ordering team gear.

Retail margin on products, plus team uniform and bulk orders and add-on services such as glove relacing.

• Deep knowledge of the sport and gear
• Stock buying and cash flow
• Customer service and retail basics

• Check lease terms and your state's retail lease rules before signing
• Public liability and contents insurance, plus workers compensation if you hire staff
• Check council approval for your shop use and signage
• Baseball is a niche market in many areas, so test demand first, perhaps with an online store or stall
• Seasonal sales mean you need cash reserves for quiet months
• Revenue depends heavily on the local player base and the season, so expect quiet months outside peak times

Startup costs are estimates, typically around $30,000 to $120,000, depending on the premises, fit-out and how much stock you buy. Testing demand first, perhaps with an online store or stall, may reduce risk.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $5,000 to $20,000, depending on the local player base, your range and the season. Expect quieter months outside peak times and keep cash reserves.

Things to check: lease terms and your state's retail lease rules before signing, council approval for shop use and signage, public liability and contents insurance, and workers compensation if you hire staff.