Local linoleum and vinyl flooring shop

Homeowners, landlords, letting agents, small builders and flooring fitters who want a local supplier.

You buy rolls from wholesalers and sell by the metre at a markup. You can also earn from fitting referrals, underlay, adhesives and trims.

• Customer service and clear advice
• Accurate measuring and cutting
• Basic stock control and pricing

• Lease terms, business rates and whether the premises have the right planning use, so check with your council
• Public liability and stock and contents insurance, plus employer's liability once you hire
• Heavy rolls need safe handling and storage, so think about manual handling and vehicle access
• Old vinyl or backing can contain asbestos, so make clear that you don't advise on lifting old floors and point customers to a specialist
• Cutting mistakes are costly, so measure twice and agree who is responsible for measuring

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £15,000 to £60,000, depending on your premises, fit-out and how much stock you hold. Check lease terms and business rates with your council before you commit to a unit.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £6,000 to £22,000, depending on location, stock range and how many fitters, landlords and homeowners you supply. This is revenue, not profit, and the shop usually needs at least 35 hours a week.

Check lease terms, business rates and whether the premises have the right planning use. Look at public liability, stock and contents insurance, and employer's liability once you hire. Plan safe handling of heavy rolls, and don't advise on lifting old floors because of asbestos.