Safe showroom with fitting and key services

Homeowners, landlords, shops, pubs, offices, trades and local businesses that handle cash or valuable items.

Margin on safes and security products, installation fees, key cutting, servicing and safe opening or lock repair work.

• Product knowledge of safe types and ratings
• Retail and customer service
• Practical fitting and basic locksmith skills, or a partner who has them

• Public liability insurance, plus stock, contents and employer's liability insurance if you hire
• Check business rates, planning use class and lease terms for the premises
• Insurers may require specific security ratings, so check what you are recommending
• High-value stock is heavy and can be a theft target, so check security and insurance conditions
• Foot traffic can be low for this kind of shop, so plan for online sales and trade customers too

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £15,000 to £50,000, depending on the premises, stock and fit-out. Your own costs may differ, so list each item before you commit, including insurance.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue is typically around £5,000 to £25,000, depending on sales and services, with a minimum of around 35 hours a week. Rent, stock and other costs come out of this.

Check business rates, planning use class and lease terms for the premises. Also check public liability, stock and contents insurance, employer's liability if you hire, any security ratings insurers may require, and security and insurance conditions for high-value stock.