Pop-up shoe shine stand

Event organisers, hotels, offices and wedding venues who book you as a perk, plus individuals paying per pair on the day.

A set price per pair from walk-up customers, or a fixed fee or day rate from organisers who pay for you to shine guests' shoes.

• Careful, tidy hand work
• Knowing leathers, polishes and brushes
• Friendly chat with strangers

• Public liability insurance, which venues and organisers often ask for
• Whether you need a street trading licence or permission if you work in a public place, check with your council
• Permission from venue owners or event organisers before setting up
• Risk of damaging delicate leathers or suede, test first and agree what you will and won't treat

Startup costs are estimates, typically around £150 to £800, depending on the stand, brushes, polishes and conditioners you choose. Keep your first kit simple and add products as customers ask for them.

Things to check: public liability insurance, which venues and organisers often ask for; whether you need a street trading licence or permission if you work in a public place, via your council; and permission from venue owners or organisers before setting up.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue typically around £200 to £1,200, depending on how many events, offices and weddings you book and how many pairs you polish. Hours start at about 5 a week.