Consignment Shop on Your High Street

Shoppers looking for good-value second-hand items. Sellers also gain by getting paid for things they no longer need, without selling them themselves.

You keep an agreed percentage of each sale price, and the owner gets the rest. Some shops also charge a small intake or listing fee, or mark down unsold items after a set period.

• Spotting items that will sell
• Pricing fairly
• Record keeping and trust with sellers
• Customer service

• Check the lease terms, business rates and whether small business rate relief might apply
• Public liability and stock insurance, including cover for items that belong to other people
• Keep clear records of whose item is whose, and pay sellers on time, as you hold their money
• Check rules on selling electrical goods, children's products and furniture, as safety and fire labelling rules can apply
• Check what you need to do about stolen goods and keeping seller records, and check with your local council or police if unsure

Startup costs are typically around £5,000 to £25,000, depending on the shop you rent, the fit-out and how much stock you take in. These are estimates, so check lease terms and business rates before committing.

Monthly revenue is typically around £2,000 to £10,000, depending on location, the quality of items you take in and the split you agree with sellers. Expect to work at least around 35 hours a week.

Check lease terms, business rates and whether small business rate relief might apply. Also check insurance covering other people's items, keep clear seller records and pay on time, and check safety rules for electrical goods, children's products and furniture.