Batik clothing boutique

Local shoppers, tourists, people looking for gifts and customers who like cultural or hand-made textiles.

You sell garments at a mark-up on what you paid makers or wholesalers, with extra sales from accessories and an online shop alongside.

• Buying stock that sells
• Customer service and styling advice
• Managing stock, rent and cash flow

• Business rates, rent and lease terms: check these carefully before signing
• Shop insurance, including contents and public liability
• Change of use or planning permission for the premises: check with the council
• Slow seasons and unsold stock tying up cash
• Clothing labelling and product safety rules: check what applies to garments you sell

Startup costs are typically around £8,000 to £40,000, depending on your premises, shop fit-out and the amount of stock you buy. Check rent and lease terms carefully, and remember unsold stock can tie up cash.

Monthly revenue is typically around £3,000 to £12,000, depending on your location, stock and footfall. That is revenue, not profit, and slow seasons and unsold stock can reduce what you keep. Expect at least around 35 hours a week.

Check business rates, rent and lease terms before signing, plus shop insurance including contents and public liability. Also check whether the premises need change of use or planning permission from the council, and the clothing labelling and product safety rules.