Local feed and bedding shop

Horse owners, smallholders, hobby farmers, poultry keepers and local pet owners who want advice and easy access to supplies.

You buy in bulk from feed merchants and wholesalers and sell at a mark-up. Regular customers who buy every few weeks are the backbone of sales.

• Knowing animal feed and bedding
• Customer service and friendly advice
• Stock control and ordering
• Lifting and handling heavy bags

• Feed businesses usually need to register or be approved with the local council or relevant authority, check which applies to you
• Public liability and stock insurance, and employer's liability once you hire
• Storing feed safely to avoid damp, mould and pests
• Heavy lifting and thin margins, so check the numbers carefully before committing to a lease
• Competition from farm suppliers, large pet chains and online sellers

Startup costs are typically estimated at around £8,000 to £35,000, depending on your premises, opening stock and any fit-out. Check the numbers carefully before committing to a lease, as margins can be thin.

Feed businesses usually need to register or be approved with the local council or relevant authority, so check which applies to you. Also check public liability and stock insurance, employer's liability once you hire, and how you will store feed safely.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £3,000 to £15,000, depending on your location, range and local competition. Expect to work at least around 35 hours a week, including heavy lifting.