Surplus and outdoor kit shop

Local shoppers after bargains, walkers and campers, tradespeople needing tough workwear, and hobbyists such as cadets, anglers and re-enactors.

You sell stock at a mark-up over what you paid. Fast-moving lines pay the rent while bigger items bring higher margins, and online sales add extra income.

• Buying stock at the right price
• Customer service and product knowledge
• Merchandising and shop layout
• Managing cash flow and stock

• Check business rates, and whether you qualify for any relief, with your local council
• Check the lease terms carefully, including length, break clauses and who pays for repairs
• Shop insurance and public liability insurance, plus employer's liability once you hire staff
• Check rules on selling knives, replica weapons and other age-restricted items
• Check product safety, trading standards and returns rules for new and used goods
• Stock that does not sell ties up cash, so start small and reorder what works

Startup costs are estimates, typically around £8,000 to £35,000, depending on the unit, shop fit-out and how much stock you buy. Starting with a smaller range and reordering what sells helps protect your cash.

Monthly revenue is typically around £4,000 to £18,000, depending on your location, stock range and whether you also sell online. This is revenue, not profit, so rent, stock and other costs come out of it.

Check business rates and any relief with your council, and read lease terms on length, break clauses and repairs. Also check rules on selling knives, replica weapons and age-restricted items, plus product safety and returns rules.