Print and computer help counter

Local residents who pop in for a quick print, scan or form, plus the host shop's regular customers.

Per-page printing and copying, short computer sessions and small service fees. You may pay the host rent or share a percentage of takings.

• Clear communication and patience
• Comfortable setting up and fixing printers and computers
• Simple record keeping

• Agree in writing who holds insurance for your equipment and for customers using it
• Customers' personal data on shared machines: check data protection duties and whether you need to pay the ICO fee
• Check the host's lease allows another business to trade from the space
• Printing costs can eat into margins, so check ink and paper prices carefully

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £1,500 to £6,000, depending on the printers, computers and setup you choose. Printing costs can eat into margins, so check ink and paper prices carefully.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £500 to £2,500, depending on the footfall of the host shop and the services you offer. These are revenue estimates, not profit, so allow for supplies and any space costs.

Agree in writing who holds insurance for your equipment and for customers using it. Check the host's lease allows another business to trade from the space, and check data protection duties and whether you need to pay the ICO fee.