Model railway shop on the high street

Local hobbyists, club members, families buying gifts, and visitors who like to browse and get advice before buying.

Mark-up on new stock, margins on second-hand items and part-exchange, plus extras such as accessories, paints and kits. Online sales can top up quiet days.

• Deep knowledge of model railways
• Friendly, patient customer service
• Buying and stock control
• Basic bookkeeping

• Check lease terms, rent reviews and business rates, and whether any relief may apply
• Public liability and stock insurance, plus employer's liability if you hire staff
• Stock is a big cost, so avoid over-ordering slow-moving items
• Check the safety marking and rules for selling toys or items aimed at children
• Trade accounts may need a minimum opening order, so check each supplier's terms
• Footfall can be seasonal, so plan cash flow for quiet months

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £15,000 to £60,000, depending on your premises and how much stock you buy. Stock is a big cost, so avoid over-ordering slow-moving items, and check each supplier's minimum opening order.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £4,000 to £20,000, depending on location, range and online sales. Footfall can be seasonal, so plan your cash flow for quiet months.

Check lease terms, rent reviews and business rates, and whether any relief may apply. Look at public liability and stock insurance, employer's liability if you hire, and the safety marking and rules for selling toys or items aimed at children.