Open a Second-Hand Instrument Shop

Local players, parents, students, teachers and bands wanting affordable instruments or a place to sell their old ones.

Margin on instruments bought and resold, plus accessories, simple set-ups and repairs, and part-exchange deals that bring customers back.

• Strong instrument knowledge and valuing used gear
• Negotiating and customer service
• Basic setup and minor repairs
• Managing stock and cash flow

• Lease terms, business rates and any deposit or fit-out costs
• Stolen goods risk: keep records of what you buy and who from, and check what your local police or council expect
• Stock, contents and public liability insurance, plus employer's liability if you hire staff
• Check what consumer rules apply to second-hand goods you sell, including returns
• Slow-moving stock can tie up your cash, so avoid overbuying
• Playing music in the shop may need a music licence, check with PPL PRS

Our estimates put startup costs typically around £8,000 to £35,000, depending on the lease, any deposit and fit-out, and how much stock you buy. Slow-moving stock can tie up cash, so it helps to avoid overbuying.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £4,000 to £18,000, depending on your location, the stock you carry and how much you buy and part-exchange. This is revenue, not profit, so rent and business rates come out of it.

Check your lease terms and business rates, and keep records of what you buy and from whom, checking what police or council expect. Also check consumer rules on second-hand goods and returns, insurance, and whether playing music in the shop needs a PPL PRS licence.