Independent skate shop with repairs

Local skaters of all ages, parents buying first boards, and people after skate-style clothing and shoes.

Margin on boards, parts, clothing and shoes, plus fees for builds and repairs. Events, lessons run by others and local sponsorship can add to footfall.

• Deep knowledge of skating and equipment
• Retail and stock buying
• Hands-on board building and repair
• Customer service and community building

• Commercial lease terms, deposits and business rates, so get advice before signing
• Public liability, stock and contents insurance, and employer's liability once you hire
• Cash tied up in stock, particularly shoes and clothing sizes that sell slowly
• Competition from online sellers, so plan how you will stand out
• Check whether the premises need planning permission for retail use

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £10,000 to £40,000, depending on the premises, the shop fit-out and how much stock you buy. Lease deposits and stock such as shoes and clothing sizes are worth budgeting for carefully.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around £4,000 to £18,000, depending on your location, your range and how much you earn from builds and repairs. This is revenue before rent, stock, wages and other costs are paid.

Check the commercial lease terms, deposits and business rates, and get advice before signing. Also check whether the premises need planning permission for retail use, and look at public liability, stock and contents insurance, plus employer's liability once you hire.