Drum shop with a small premises

Local drummers, students and parents, drum teachers, school music departments and bands.

Margin on kits and accessories, plus fees for services such as set-up and repairs. Teaching room hire or secondhand kit sales can add steady income.

• Strong drum and gear knowledge
• Retail and stock control
• Selling and advising customers
• Basic bookkeeping

• Rent, business rates and a lease are big commitments, so check small business rates relief and get advice before signing
• Stock ties up a lot of cash, so start with a focused range
• Public liability and stock and contents insurance, and employer's liability if you hire
• Competition from large online retailers, so build on advice, trying kit and local services
• Check planning use class for the premises with your council

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £15,000 to £60,000, depending on the premises, lease deposit and fit-out, and how much stock you buy for a focused range.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around £4,000 to £20,000, depending on location, stock range and extras such as repairs, kit setup or renting a room to teachers. This is revenue before costs.

Check lease terms, business rates and small business rates relief, and get advice before signing. Ask your council about the planning use class for the premises. Also check public liability, stock and contents insurance, plus employer's liability if you hire.