Local stationery and office supplies shop

Small local businesses, home workers, students, parents buying school supplies, and community groups.

You buy stock at trade prices and sell at a markup. Regular accounts with local businesses give steady repeat orders, and add-on services such as printing and laminating add extra margin.

• Friendly customer service
• Stock control and ordering
• Basic bookkeeping
• Spotting what local customers need

• Big online sellers and supermarkets often undercut on price, so think about service, convenience and local accounts as your edge
• Lease terms, business rates and any reliefs you may qualify for, so check with your local council
• Shop insurance, including stock and public liability, and employer's liability if you hire staff
• Cash tied up in stock, so start with fast sellers and avoid over-ordering
• Check whether any electrical items or batteries you sell bring extra waste or product-safety duties

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £15,000 to £60,000, depending on the premises, shop fit-out and how much opening stock you buy. Starting with fast-selling lines can help limit the cash tied up in stock.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue is typically around £4,000 to £20,000, depending on location, range, any extra services such as copying or laminating, and opening hours. The estimate assumes at least about 35 hours a week.

Check your lease terms, business rates and any reliefs with your local council, and arrange shop insurance including stock and public liability. Also check whether electrical items or batteries you sell bring extra waste or product-safety duties.