Leather coats shop with repairs and alterations

Local shoppers, people wanting a proper fit, and customers with an older leather coat they want repaired rather than replaced.

Retail margin on coats sold, plus fees for repairs, alterations and made-to-measure orders. Repairs can bring in steady customers who later buy.

• Knowledge of leather types and fit
• Retail selling and stock buying
• Managing a shop and keeping accounts

• Shop rent, business rates and a lease commitment, so read terms carefully and take advice before signing
• Public liability and stock insurance, plus employer's liability insurance if you hire staff
• Consumer rules on returns, faulty goods and how you describe leather, so check what applies
• Stock tied up in coats, with sales that may be seasonal
• Check planning use class for the premises with your local council

Startup costs are typically around £10,000 to £50,000, depending on the premises, shop fit-out, opening stock and any repair equipment. These are estimates, so check lease terms and take advice before you sign.

Monthly revenue is typically around £3,000 to £15,000, depending on location, stock range and any repair or made-to-measure services. Sales may be seasonal, and stock can tie up cash, so plan for quieter months.

Check rent, business rates and lease commitments, and the planning use class with your local council. Also check public liability, stock and employer's liability insurance, and consumer rules on returns, faulty goods and describing leather.