Small kitchen showroom

Homeowners renovating or moving in, landlords, and small builders who want one place to buy a whole kitchen.

A margin on units, worktops and appliances, plus fees or margin on design, delivery and fitting. Each job is a large order, often with a deposit upfront.

• Kitchen planning and design software
• Selling and talking through big decisions with customers
• Managing suppliers, orders and fitters

• Rent, business rates and fit-out costs are fixed whether or not orders come in, so check your cash flow carefully
• Gas and electrical work must be done by suitably qualified people, so check fitters' Gas Safe registration and electrical competence
• Customer deposits and delays on made-to-order items, so check your contract terms and consumer rights obligations
• Public liability and product insurance, and employer's liability once you hire staff
• Check whether the premises have the right planning use and any lease restrictions

Startup costs are typically around £20,000 to £80,000, depending on the premises, fit-out and display kitchens. Rent, business rates and fit-out are fixed costs whether or not orders come in, so check your cash flow.

Monthly revenue is typically around £10,000 to £45,000, depending on the size of your showroom, the kitchens you sell and how many orders you win. These are estimates of revenue, not profit.

Check that fitters have Gas Safe registration and suitable electrical competence for any gas or electrical work. Also check customer deposit and consumer rights obligations, insurance, and whether the premises have the right planning use.