Second-hand CD shop on the high street

Local music fans, collectors, gift buyers and people selling their collections.

Margin on discs sold in store and online, with extra income from related items such as vinyl, accessories and event or tote bag sales.

• Strong music knowledge across genres
• Valuing and pricing second-hand stock
• Running a shop day to day, including tills and stock
• Building a loyal local following

• Rent, business rates and utilities are fixed costs, so check small business rates relief and lease terms carefully
• Public liability and shop contents insurance
• Check planning use class rules for the unit with your council
• Counterfeit or bootleg discs: do not buy or sell copies
• Footfall can be slow, so most owners also sell online to boost income
• Staff costs and employer's liability insurance if you hire help

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around £8,000 to £35,000, depending on the unit, fit-out and how much stock you buy. Rent, business rates and utilities are fixed costs, so check lease terms and small business rates relief carefully.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £2,500 to £10,000, depending on location, footfall and stock. Many owners also sell online to boost income. These are revenue figures, not profit, so allow for rent, rates and any staff.

Check the planning use class for the unit with your council, and arrange public liability and shop contents insurance. Do not buy or sell counterfeit or bootleg discs. If you hire help, check employer's liability insurance.