Motorsport shop with a small unit

Local racers and trackday drivers, karting families, modified car enthusiasts and small race teams.

Retail margin on parts and kit, plus special orders and repeat business from teams. Fitting advice and local loyalty set you apart from large online sellers.

• Strong motorsport and parts knowledge
• Buying and stock control
• Customer service and advice
• Basic bookkeeping

• Rent, business rates and a lease, so check terms carefully and take advice before signing
• Planning use class for the unit, which you should check with the council
• Public liability, product liability and stock insurance
• Safety-critical items such as helmets and harnesses, so check which standards apply before selling
• Large stock investment and slow-moving lines tying up cash

Startup costs are typically estimated at around £10,000 to £50,000, depending on the unit, the stock you buy and how you fit it out. Stock is a large investment, and slow-moving lines can tie up cash, so plan your buying carefully.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £3,000 to £15,000, depending on your location, the range you stock and how well your online store sells. These are revenue estimates rather than profit, so rent, rates and stock costs come out of that.

Check the lease terms and business rates, the planning use class with the council, and insurance for public liability, product liability and stock. Also check which standards apply to safety-critical items such as helmets and harnesses before you sell them.