Bathroom showroom and trade counter

Homeowners planning a new bathroom, local plumbers and builders collecting parts, and landlords refitting rental properties.

Margin on products sold, often higher on full bathroom packages than on single trade items. Repeat trade customers help cover the rent and running costs.

• Product knowledge or a willingness to learn it
• Customer service and bathroom design advice
• Managing stock, suppliers and cash flow

• Rent, business rates and a lease commitment, and check the property's permitted use with the council
• Stock tied up in display and slow-moving lines
• Public liability, stock and contents insurance, and employers' liability once you hire staff
• Consumer rules on returns, special orders and deposits, so check your terms
• Competition from large merchants and online sellers on price

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around £15,000 to £60,000, depending on premises, display stock and fit-out. Stock tied up in displays and slow-moving lines is worth keeping in mind when planning your budget.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue typically around £8,000 to £40,000, depending on location, range and how many trade customers you win. The idea assumes at least around 35 hours a week.

Check rent, business rates and the lease commitment, plus the property's permitted use with the council. Also check public liability, stock and contents insurance, employers' liability once you hire, and consumer rules on returns, special orders and deposits.