Local computer shop with setup help

Home users, students, families, and small local businesses that want advice from someone nearby.

Margin on products sold, plus paid services such as setup, upgrades and support. Accessories and services usually earn better margins than big-brand hardware.

• Good knowledge of computer hardware
• Clear, patient explanations for non-technical customers
• Stock control and basic bookkeeping

• Tight margins on big-brand hardware, as online sellers and supermarkets often undercut small shops
• Stock tied up in items that go out of date quickly
• Shop insurance, public liability and cover for stock; check what your lease requires
• Business rates and whether you qualify for any relief; check with your local council
• Customer data held on devices you handle, so check your UK GDPR obligations
• Consumer rights rules on returns and faulty goods

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £15,000 to £60,000, depending on your premises, fit-out and how much stock you hold. Stock can date quickly, so check how much you can afford to tie up.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £5,000 to £25,000, depending on location, range and any repair or setup work. Margins on big-brand hardware can be tight, as online sellers and supermarkets often undercut small shops.

Check shop, public liability and stock insurance, and what your lease requires. Also check business rates and any relief with your local council, UK GDPR duties for customer data on devices, and consumer rights rules on returns and faulty goods.