Local ski and snowboard shop

Local skiers and snowboarders, families, ski club members and people preparing for a holiday.

Retail margin on products bought from wholesalers, with possible extra income from services such as waxing and edge sharpening, and from end-of-season sales.

• Detailed ski and snowboard product knowledge
• Buying and stock control
• Customer service and fitting advice
• Running a shop and managing a budget

• Heavy upfront costs for stock, shop fit-out and a lease, so check the full numbers before committing
• Very seasonal sales, so plan how you will cover costs in quiet months
• Business rates, lease terms and planning use class for the premises, so check with the council and a solicitor
• Public liability insurance, plus stock and contents cover
• Helmets and protective gear may have safety marking requirements, so check with suppliers and Trading Standards
• Employer's liability insurance if you hire staff

Startup costs are typically around £20,000 to £80,000, depending on the premises, shop fit-out, lease deposit and how much stock you buy. Treat this as an estimate and check the full numbers before you commit.

Check business rates, lease terms and the planning use class with the council and a solicitor. Also check public liability, stock and contents insurance, employer's liability if you hire, and safety marking for helmets and protective gear with suppliers.

Monthly revenue is typically around £6,000 to £30,000, depending on location, range and the time of year. These are estimates, and sales are very seasonal, so plan how you will cover your costs in quiet months.