Mobile supportive shoe fitting service

Older or less mobile people, their families, and sometimes care homes or sheltered housing schemes buying for residents.

Retail margin on each pair sold, sometimes with a small visit or fitting fee. Orders for made-to-order footwear can carry higher prices.

• Patience and good listening
• Careful measuring and fitting
• Organising appointments and routes

• Don't claim shoes diagnose or treat medical conditions; refer anyone with serious foot problems to a podiatrist or GP
• Public liability and product liability insurance, and business use cover on your vehicle
• Care homes or vulnerable customers may expect a DBS check or safeguarding policy, check what they require
• Distance selling and returns rules for orders taken away from a shop, check your obligations under consumer law
• Carrying a lot of sample stock, which takes up space and cash

Startup costs are typically around £3,000 to £12,000, depending on how much sample stock you carry, your insurance and your vehicle needs. Sample stock takes up cash and space, so plan your range carefully.

Monthly revenue is typically around £1,500 to £6,000, depending on how many customers you visit, your product range and your area. The estimate assumes at least about 12 hours a week, including travel between appointments.

Check that you don't claim shoes diagnose or treat medical conditions, and refer serious foot problems to a podiatrist or GP. Also check insurance, any DBS or safeguarding requirements from care homes, and consumer law on returns for orders taken away from a shop.