Door showroom and trade counter

Local builders, joiners and property developers who want fast supply, plus homeowners who prefer to see doors in person.

Margin on doors, frames and hardware, with repeat orders from trade accounts and extra sales of handles, hinges, locks and finishing items.

• Product knowledge across door types and fittings
• Building relationships with trades
• Stock control and basic bookkeeping

• Rent, business rates and stock tie up cash, so check your numbers carefully before signing a lease
• Planning use class and lease terms for the unit, check with the council and landlord
• Handling heavy doors safely, including training and lifting equipment
• Public liability, stock and buildings or contents insurance
• Fire door claims and certification, check what standards apply to what you sell

Startup costs are typically around £10,000 to £50,000, depending on the unit, the amount of stock and how many display doors you fit out. Rent, business rates and stock tie up cash, so check your numbers carefully before signing a lease.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £5,000 to £25,000, depending on location, stock range and how many trade customers you win. That is revenue, not profit, so rent, rates and stock costs come out of it. Expect at least around 35 hours a week.

Check the planning use class and lease terms with the council and landlord, plus insurance for public liability, stock and buildings or contents. Also check safe handling of heavy doors, including training and lifting equipment, and which standards apply to any fire door claims.