Internet and print shop

Walk-in customers: people without a computer or printer at home, students, travellers, people needing documents printed, and anyone who wants help with an online form.

Charges per print or copy, per minute or hour of computer use, and per service such as scanning, photos or document help. Extras like stationery or phone accessories can add a little.

• Friendly and patient with all kinds of customers
• Confident with computers, printers and scanners
• Basic bookkeeping and stock control

• Check the lease terms, business rates and whether the unit's permitted use suits your shop
• Public liability and contents insurance, and employer's liability insurance if you take on staff
• Customers' personal data on shared machines: check data protection duties and whether you need to pay the ICO fee
• Set rules on illegal content and copyright when copying material, and consider content filtering
• Demand for walk-in computer access has fallen in many areas, so test local demand before signing a lease

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £8,000 to £35,000, depending on the premises, number of computers and printing equipment. Check lease terms, business rates and whether the unit's permitted use suits your shop.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £2,000 to £8,000, depending on location, opening hours and services offered. Demand for walk-in computer access has fallen in many areas, so test local demand before signing a lease.

Check data protection duties for customers' personal data on shared machines, and whether you need to pay the ICO fee. Set rules on illegal content and copyright when copying material, and consider content filtering.