Local fridge and fridge-freezer shop

Households replacing a broken fridge in a hurry, landlords equipping rental properties, and people furnishing a first home.

You buy from suppliers or wholesalers and sell at a margin. Delivery, installation and old-appliance removal can be charged as extras.

• Selling and explaining product differences
• Stock and supplier management
• Safe lifting and handling of heavy items
• Customer service when a fridge has broken down

• WEEE rules: sellers of electrical goods usually have to offer take-back of old appliances, so check what applies to you and your local council or scheme options
• Registration as a waste carrier if you take away old fridges, and correct handling of fridge gases, check with the Environment Agency or your national regulator
• Consumer rights on faulty goods and returns, and energy labelling requirements on displayed items
• Public liability and goods-in-transit insurance, plus business rates and lease terms for the premises
• Selling second-hand or graded items: check electrical safety and how you describe condition

Startup costs are estimates, typically around £8,000 to £40,000, depending on the premises and lease, how much stock you hold, delivery equipment and insurance. A smaller showroom and a limited range can keep costs nearer the lower end.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around £6,000 to £30,000, depending on the stock you sell, your prices and your local demand. This is a full-time business, with at least around 30 hours a week.

Check WEEE rules, as sellers of electrical goods usually have to offer take-back of old appliances. Check waste carrier registration and fridge gas handling, consumer rights, energy labelling, and electrical safety and descriptions for second-hand or graded items.