Miniatures and dolls' house shop

Local hobbyists, collectors, families, gift buyers and gaming groups.

Retail margin on stock, plus income from workshops, painting sessions, commissions and an online shop alongside the till.

• Hobby knowledge and enthusiasm
• Customer service
• Stock buying and cash flow control

• Commercial lease terms: get advice before signing and check the length, break clauses and repair duties
• Business rates: check whether small business rate relief applies in your area
• Public liability insurance and stock and contents cover
• Toy safety and trading standards rules for what you sell, especially items for children
• Stock tying up cash: start with a small range and reorder what sells
• Planning permission: check whether a change of use is needed for the unit

Startup costs are typically around £8,000 to £40,000, depending on the premises, fit-out and opening stock. Starting with a small range and reordering what sells helps stop too much cash being tied up in stock.

Monthly revenue is typically around £3,000 to £15,000, depending on location, range and whether you run events such as painting tables or club nights. This is revenue before rent, stock and other costs.

Get advice on lease terms before signing, including length, break clauses and repair duties. Also check business rates relief, whether a change of use is needed, toy safety and trading standards rules, and public liability and stock cover.