Garden buildings display site

Local homeowners who want to see a building before buying, plus small trade buyers such as landscapers and builders.

Margin on each building sold, plus charges for delivery, base preparation, assembly and extras such as shelving, paint and felt.

• Selling face to face
• Basic knowledge of timber and building types
• Organising deliveries and fitters
• Managing stock and suppliers

• Planning permission or change of use for the site, so check with your local council before signing a lease
• Public liability insurance, plus stock and contents cover for displayed buildings
• Employer's liability insurance if you take on staff or use employed fitters
• Customers' own planning and building regulations questions, so point them to their council rather than giving definite answers
• Slow winter sales and the cost of tying up money in display units

Startup costs are typically around £8,000 to £40,000, depending on the site, the number of display units and any stock. Money tied up in display units and slow winter sales can put pressure on cash.

Check planning permission or change of use with your council before signing a lease. Also check public liability, stock and contents cover, and employer's liability if you take on staff or use employed fitters. Point customers to their council for their own planning questions.

Monthly revenue is typically around £4,000 to £20,000 as an estimate, depending on your range and local demand. It usually needs at least around 30 hours a week, and face-to-face selling skills help.