Alterations shop on the high street

Walk-in customers, workers needing quick repairs, wedding parties, and local dry cleaners, bridal shops and menswear stores.

Per-job prices for standard alterations, higher fees for specialist work like bridal and tailoring, and regular trade work from shops at agreed rates.

• Strong, experienced sewing skills
• Fitting and pattern knowledge
• Managing a shop and keeping to deadlines
• Customer service and quoting

• Rent, lease terms and business rates can be large fixed costs, so check them carefully before signing
• Public liability insurance and insurance for customers' garments, plus employer's liability if you hire
• Busy seasons such as wedding and prom time can bring deadline pressure
• Check with your council about any signage or planning rules for your unit

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around £4,000 to £20,000, depending on the unit, equipment and fit-out. Rent, lease terms and business rates are large fixed costs, so check them carefully before signing.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around £2,500 to £8,000, depending on footfall, your pricing and how much trade work you win from dry cleaners and bridal shops. Busy seasons such as weddings and proms can bring deadline pressure.

Check lease terms and business rates before signing, and ask your council about any signage or planning rules for your unit. Consider public liability insurance and cover for customers' garments, plus employer's liability insurance if you hire staff.