Local specialist sports shop

Local players, parents buying for children, clubs, schools and community groups.

You buy stock at trade prices and sell at a mark-up. Extra income can come from club and school orders, racket stringing, team kit orders and fitting services.

• Good knowledge of the sports you stock
• Buying and stock control
• Friendly, advice-led customer service

• Commercial lease terms, business rates and any rent deposit, so check these with your local council and a solicitor
• Public liability and stock and contents insurance
• Cash tied up in stock that may not sell, especially seasonal items
• Competition from online retailers on price, so plan for advice, fitting and local relationships
• Consumer rights on returns and faulty goods, and safety standards on items such as helmets and children's equipment

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around £15,000 to £60,000, depending on the unit, the fit-out and the range of stock you carry. Cash can be tied up in stock that may not sell, especially seasonal items.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue typically around £4,000 to £20,000, depending on location, the sports you stock and how well you build local relationships. Hours are typically from around 40 a week.

Check commercial lease terms, business rates and any rent deposit with your council and a solicitor. Also check public liability and stock insurance, consumer rights on returns and faulty goods, and safety standards on items such as helmets and children's equipment.