Door showroom for homeowners and builders

Homeowners doing renovations, local builders, carpenters, joiners and landlords.

You buy from manufacturers or wholesalers and sell at a margin. Extra income comes from fittings, finishes, made-to-measure orders and trade accounts for regular builders.

• Knowing door types, sizes and materials
• Customer service and advising on options
• Stock control and ordering
• Building relationships with local trades

• Fire doors need the right certification and correct fitting, so check the Building Regulations and what you can say about them to customers
• Check the rules on cancelling and returning made-to-measure orders and put them clearly in your terms
• Check the planning use class and lease terms for any premises, plus business rates and any small business relief
• Doors are bulky and easily damaged, so plan storage and delivery, and check your insurance covers stock and public liability
• Large stock orders tie up cash, so start with a small display range

Startup costs are typically estimated at around £15,000 to £60,000, depending on premises, display range and stock. Large stock orders tie up cash, so starting with a small display range can help keep the initial outlay down.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £8,000 to £40,000, depending on location, range and how many trade customers you win. That is revenue rather than profit, so allow for stock, rent, rates and other running costs.

Check the Building Regulations for fire doors, including certification, correct fitting and what you can say to customers. Also check the rules on cancelling made-to-measure orders, the planning use class, lease terms, business rates and your insurance cover.