Sheet music shop with a small premises

Local students and parents, instrument teachers, schools, choirs, orchestras and amateur players who want to browse and get advice.

Retail margin on music and accessories, plus special orders for customers and regular supply to teachers and schools.

• Wide knowledge of music and repertoire
• Customer service and recommending pieces
• Stock control and ordering

• Rent, business rates and stock tie up a lot of money, so check your numbers carefully
• Check the planning use class and lease terms for any premises
• Public liability and contents or stock insurance
• Only sell legitimate published copies; avoid photocopied or unlicensed material
• Competition from online retailers, so build relationships with local teachers

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £10,000 to £45,000, depending on the premises, fit-out and how much stock you buy. Rent, business rates and stock tie up a lot of money, so check your numbers carefully.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around £3,000 to £14,000, depending on location, range and your relationships with local teachers, schools and choirs. Competition from online retailers is worth planning for.

Check the planning use class and lease terms for the premises. Check public liability and contents or stock insurance. Only sell legitimate published copies and avoid photocopied or unlicensed material.