Second-Hand appliance shop with workshop

Local households on a budget, students, landlords furnishing rentals and people replacing a broken appliance quickly.

Profit on each appliance sold, plus charges for delivery, installation, removal of the old appliance and extended warranties or repairs.

• Appliance repair and testing
• Buying stock at the right price
• Retail and customer service
• Basic bookkeeping

• Rent, business rates and lease terms: check these carefully before signing
• Electrical safety checks and rules for selling second-hand electrical goods
• Gas appliances should only be worked on by a Gas Safe registered engineer, so check before selling gas items
• Consumer rights: goods must be as described and of satisfactory quality, so keep records of tests and repairs
• Waste: check registration requirements if you collect old appliances, and rules on disposing of fridges and freezers
• Public liability, stock and employer's liability insurance if you hire staff

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £8,000 to £35,000, depending on the unit, deposit and fit-out, and how much stock and workshop equipment you buy. Check lease terms carefully before signing.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £3,000 to £15,000, depending on your location, stock levels and pricing. Offering delivery, fitting and a warranty may help you compete with new-appliance retailers.

Check rent, business rates and lease terms, plus electrical safety checks for second-hand goods. Gas appliances should only be worked on by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Also check consumer rights, waste rules for fridges and freezers, and insurance.