Instrument repair shop with a counter

Walk-in musicians, schools and music services, community bands and orchestras, and other shops that send repairs to you.

Labour and parts on repairs, regular school and band contracts, and small margins on accessories sold over the counter.

• Repair skills across several instrument types, or a trained team member who covers the rest
• Customer service and quoting
• Basic bookkeeping and stock control

• Commercial lease terms, business rates and deposit, so check these carefully before committing
• Public liability, contents and stock insurance, and employer's liability once you hire
• Check planning use class and any council requirements for the premises
• Quiet periods in the year, so allow for cash flow
• Holding customers' instruments safely and securely

Startup costs are typically estimated at around £5,000 to £25,000, depending on the unit's lease and deposit, your workshop tools, any fit-out and the stock of strings, reeds and accessories you carry. Insurance should be included in your budget.

Check commercial lease terms, business rates and the deposit before committing. Check public liability, contents and stock insurance, employer's liability once you hire, and the planning use class and council requirements for the premises.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £2,500 to £10,000, depending on the range of repairs you offer, local demand and any school or shop work you win. Allow for quiet periods in the year when planning cash flow.