Paintball and airsoft kit shop

Local players, beginners and parents buying kit, plus nearby paintball sites and clubs buying supplies and repairs.

Retail margin on kit and consumables, plus fees for air fills, servicing and repairs, and bulk sales to local sites.

• Strong knowledge of paintball equipment
• Basic repair and servicing
• Retail and customer service
• Stock buying and cash management

• Rules on selling markers and paint: check current UK law on age restrictions and any requirements for selling imitation or air weapons
• Storing and filling compressed air or CO2 cylinders: check testing, safety and training requirements
• Public liability and stock insurance, and employer's liability insurance if you hire
• Lease terms, business rates and rent, which are fixed costs whatever your sales
• Slow trade outside the main playing season, so plan your cash flow

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £8,000 to £40,000, depending on the premises, fit-out and stock. Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £3,000 to £15,000, depending on location, range and the time of year.

Check current UK law on age restrictions and any requirements for selling imitation or air weapons. Also check testing, safety and training rules for storing and filling compressed air or CO2 cylinders, insurance, lease terms and business rates.

The estimates suggest at least around 35 hours a week. Useful skills include strong knowledge of paintball equipment, basic repair and servicing, retail and customer service, and stock buying and cash management.