Independent mattress and bed shop

Local households, first-time buyers, parents buying for children, landlords and people replacing an old bed.

Margin on each mattress, bed and accessory sold, plus charges for delivery, assembly and removal of old mattresses.

• Friendly, patient selling
• Knowing mattress types and materials
• Stock and supplier management
• Basic bookkeeping

• Check upholstered and bedding products meet UK fire safety labelling rules (the furniture and furnishings regulations) and ask suppliers for evidence
• Distance and in-store sales are covered by consumer law on returns and refunds, so check your terms
• Public liability and stock insurance, plus employer's liability if you hire
• Business rates, lease commitments and slow seasons can squeeze cash, so budget carefully
• Check how old mattresses will be disposed of, as waste carrying may need registration

Startup costs are typically around £15,000 to £60,000, depending on the premises, lease terms, opening stock and shop fit-out. Treat this as an estimate and budget carefully for business rates and slower seasons.

Check that upholstered and bedding products meet UK fire safety labelling rules and ask suppliers for evidence. Also check consumer law on returns and refunds, insurance, and how old mattresses will be disposed of, as waste carrying may need registration.

Monthly revenue is typically around £6,000 to £30,000, depending on location, range and how much you sell. The estimate assumes at least around 40 hours a week, and these figures are revenue, not profit.