Local bike shop with repairs

Commuters, parents buying for children, casual and keen cyclists, and people wanting a repair or service.

Margin on bikes, parts and accessories, plus labour charges for repairs and servicing. Repairs often bring in steady income between bike sales.

• Bike mechanics and workshop skills
• Stock buying and pricing
• Friendly customer service
• Basic bookkeeping

• Stock is a big upfront cost and unsold bikes tie up cash, so start with a focused range
• Rent, business rates and lease terms, check what you would pay and any small business rate relief
• Public liability, stock and contents insurance, and product liability for the bikes and repairs you sell
• Some brands set conditions for becoming a dealer, so check before you plan around them
• Buying used bikes: check how to avoid handling stolen goods, such as keeping records and asking for proof of ownership
• Seasonal sales, with quieter winter months to plan cash for

Startup costs are typically around £15,000 to £60,000, depending on the premises, how much stock you buy and your workshop equipment. These are estimates. Stock is a big upfront cost, so starting with a focused range can help protect your cash.

Monthly revenue is typically around £4,000 to £20,000, depending on your location, range and how busy your repair bench is. This is sales before costs, and the figures are estimates. Sales can be seasonal, with quieter winter months. Plan for at least around 40 hours a week.

Check rent, business rates, lease terms and any small business rate relief. Also check public liability, stock, contents and product liability insurance, any conditions brands set for dealers, and how to avoid handling stolen goods when buying used bikes, such as keeping records.