Car battery shop with free testing and fitting

Local drivers, taxi and delivery drivers, small trade customers and garages that need batteries at short notice.

Margin on batteries, fitting charges, and add-on sales such as chargers, jump starters, bulbs and wipers. Trade accounts give steadier income.

• Car parts knowledge and battery types
• Stock control and ordering
• Counter sales and customer service

• Public liability and stock insurance, plus employer's liability if you hire
• Used batteries are hazardous waste. Sellers of car batteries are generally expected to take back old ones from customers, so check the battery take-back rules with your environmental regulator (Environment Agency in England, Natural Resources Wales, SEPA in Scotland, or NIEA in Northern Ireland)
• Check whether you need a waste exemption registration or permit to store old batteries, and use a registered waste carrier to collect them. You may need to register as a waste carrier yourself if you transport them
• Rent, business rates and a lease can be a big fixed cost, so test demand first
• Tied-up cash in stock, so start with fast-selling sizes
• Check the planning use class and any council rules for the unit

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £10,000 to £50,000, depending on the unit, the rent and deposit, and how much stock you buy. Starting with fast-selling battery sizes can limit the cash tied up in stock.

As an estimate, monthly revenue is typically around £4,000 to £20,000, depending on your location, stock range and how many drivers and trade customers you attract. That is revenue rather than profit, so rent, rates and stock costs come out of it.

Check the battery take-back rules with your environmental regulator, as used batteries are hazardous waste and sellers are generally expected to take old ones back. Also check whether you need a waste exemption or permit to store them, and use a registered waste carrier.