Local chandlery shop near the water

Local boat owners, marinas, boatyards, sailing and rowing clubs, and visiting boaters who need something quickly.

Retail margin on stock sold in the shop, plus trade accounts with clubs and boatyards and special orders. Sales are often seasonal, with a busy spring and summer.

• Good boating knowledge
• Buying and stock control
• Customer service and advice
• Basic bookkeeping

• Rent, business rates and the cost of stock tied up over winter
• Seasonal cash flow, so plan for quiet months
• Rules on selling and storing items like flares, gas and paints, check with your council and fire safety guidance
• Public liability and stock insurance, plus employer's liability if you hire staff
• Competition from online chandlers, so offer advice, quick availability and local services

Startup costs are typically around £15,000 to £60,000, depending on your premises, deposits, fit-out and how much stock you buy. These are estimates, so check rent, business rates and the cost of stock tied up over winter.

Monthly revenue is typically around £5,000 to £25,000, depending on location, range, season and how well you compete with online chandlers. These are estimates rather than guarantees, and revenue is before costs. Plan for quiet months.

Check rules on selling and storing items like flares, gas and paints with your council and fire safety guidance. Also check rent, business rates, public liability and stock insurance, and employer's liability if you hire staff.