Start an antiquarian bookshop with a small shop front

Collectors, visitors and tourists, local people, libraries and institutions, plus online buyers.

Margin on books bought and sold, plus valuations and buying private collections. Online sales and catalogues help balance quiet weeks in the shop.

• Deep knowledge of books and their value
• Cataloguing and description
• Customer service
• Negotiating when buying collections

• Rent, business rates and a lease commitment add fixed costs, so check these carefully before signing
• Check what business rates relief may apply to small premises
• You will need shop insurance covering stock, public liability and contents
• Buying stock that turns out to be damaged, incomplete or wrongly described can be costly
• Check planning and use class rules for the unit with your local council

Startup costs are typically around £8,000 to £40,000, depending on the premises, rent and lease, and how much rare stock you buy. Buying damaged, incomplete or wrongly described books can be costly.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £1,500 to £7,500, depending on location, stock quality and how much you sell online alongside the shop. Fixed costs such as rent and business rates still need covering.

Check your lease, rent and business rates, and what business rates relief may apply to small premises. Also check planning and use class rules with your local council, and arrange shop insurance covering stock, public liability and contents.