Garage door trade counter and parts store

Local garage door installers, builders, joiners and landlords' maintenance contractors, plus a few walk-in homeowners.

You sell stock at a margin over trade prices. Fast availability of parts and trade accounts for regular customers bring repeat business, and you can add delivery runs.

• Knowing door types, parts and measurements
• Stock control and ordering
• Building relationships with trade customers

• Stock ties up cash, so start with fast-moving parts and common sizes
• Check planning and use class permission for the unit, business rates and your lease terms
• Insurance for stock, premises and public liability, with product liability worth checking
• Check that doors and parts carry the correct safety and conformity documentation from suppliers
• Trade credit can lead to late payments, so set clear terms and check customers first
• Moving heavy doors can cause injury, so check manual handling and lifting equipment needs

Startup costs are typically around £15,000 to £70,000, depending on the unit, opening stock, racking and insurance. Stock ties up cash, so start with fast-moving parts and common sizes.

Check planning and use class permission for the unit, business rates and lease terms. Also check insurance for stock, premises and public liability, supplier safety and conformity documents, trade credit risks, and manual handling and lifting needs.

Monthly revenue is typically around £8,000 to £40,000, depending on stock range, installer relationships and pricing. Expect to work at least around 35 hours a week running the counter and ordering.