Local mobility aids shop with hire

People with reduced mobility, family members and carers, plus some care homes and community groups.

Margin on products sold, plus hire fees and deposits for items rented by the week or month. Accessories and small repairs add extra income.

• Patient, friendly customer service
• Listening and explaining products clearly
• Stock buying and basic bookkeeping

• Public liability and product liability insurance, plus employer's liability once you hire
• Check the rules on selling medical devices and keep supplier paperwork and safety information
• Check with HMRC whether VAT relief on goods for disabled customers applies to your products and how to record it
• Powered wheelchairs and scooters need correct set-up and advice, so check what training suppliers offer
• If you offer finance, check whether you need FCA authorisation
• Rent, business rates and stock are fixed costs, so plan for slow months

Startup costs are typically around £15,000 to £60,000, depending on your premises, the range of stock you carry and your shop fit-out. These are estimates, so plan for rent, business rates and stock as fixed costs.

Check public liability and product liability insurance, plus employer's liability once you hire. Also check the rules on selling medical devices, VAT relief on goods for disabled customers with HMRC, and whether offering finance needs FCA authorisation.

Monthly revenue is typically around £6,000 to £30,000, depending on your location, the range you stock and how much hire work you take. Plan for slow months. Estimated time is from about 30 hours a week.