Electrical repair shop on the high street

Local households, landlords, letting agents, and small businesses such as cafes, salons and offices.

Repair and diagnostic fees, parts at a margin, PAT testing contracts for businesses, and some sales of refurbished items.

• Electrical and electronics repair
• Running a small shop
• Pricing jobs and managing parts stock
• Customer service

• Budget for the lease deposit, rent in advance, legal fees and a basic shop and workshop fit-out on top of tools, test equipment and opening stock
• Public liability, product liability and contents insurance for stock and customers' items
• Business rates, lease terms and any planning use class for the premises; check with your council
• Keeping customers' items safe while in your care and recording what you hand back
• Electrical waste rules for disposing of old items; check what registration or arrangements apply
• Employer's liability insurance if you take on staff

Startup costs are typically around £15,000 to £50,000, depending on the premises, fit-out, tools, test equipment and opening stock. Budget for the lease deposit, rent in advance and legal fees on top. These are estimates only.

Monthly revenue is typically around £2,500 to £10,000, depending on location, the mix of repairs and parts sales, and how many business customers you win. The estimate assumes from about 35 hours a week.

Check the lease terms, business rates and any planning use class with your council. Check insurance for public liability, product liability and contents, plus employer's liability if you hire staff. Also check electrical waste arrangements and how you keep customers' items safe.