Local heating trade counter

Local plumbers, heating engineers and small installation companies, often on trade accounts.

Margin on each sale of boilers and parts, with repeat business from engineers on account. Extra income can come from delivery charges and selling related fittings.

• Strong knowledge of heating products
• Stock control and buying
• Managing credit and customer accounts
• Customer service at the counter

• Stock is a big upfront cost and slow-moving items tie up cash
• Offering credit to customers carries a risk of late or unpaid invoices
• Public liability, product liability, stock and contents insurance, and employer's liability once you hire
• Check planning use class and lease terms for the unit, and business rates
• Competition from large national merchants on price, so service and availability matter
• Check rules on storing and handling heavy goods and any waste packaging disposal

Startup costs are typically around £30,000 to £80,000, depending on the unit, the range of boilers and parts you stock and any staff. These are estimates. Stock is a big upfront cost, and slow-moving items can tie up cash.

Monthly revenue is typically around £8,000 to £35,000, depending on your stock range, customer accounts and local competition. This is an estimate, and the idea assumes at least about 40 hours a week.

Check insurance, including public liability, product liability, stock and contents, and employer's liability once you hire. Also check the planning use class, lease terms and business rates for the unit, plus rules on storing heavy goods and disposing of packaging waste.