Start a town ticket and booking desk
Run a small shopfront selling tickets for local shows, tours and attractions on commission.
- £3k-15k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
Official data
4,991 UK companies in this field, 38% registered in the last 2 years
SIC 79909 “Other reservation service activities n.e.c.”. Source: Companies House, November 2026.
What it is
A walk-in ticket desk in a town centre, tourist spot or arts area. You sell tickets for local theatres, tours, attractions and events on behalf of organisers, and help people plan their visit.
Your first three steps
- Visit local attractions, theatres and tour operators and ask which would sell through a desk and on what commission
- Look at small units or shared spaces in busy walking areas and work out rent against likely footfall
- Choose a booking system that tracks stock and takes card payments, and test it with one or two partners before opening
Who pays
Organisers and attractions pay you commission. Visitors and locals pay for tickets, sometimes with a small booking fee.
How it makes money
Commission on each ticket sold, plus booking fees. Some desks add extras such as local guides or souvenirs, if the organisers agree.
Skills that help
- Friendly, patient customer service
- Selling and local knowledge
- Handling cash and card payments accurately
Watch out for
- Rent, business rates and lease terms, which can outweigh commission in quiet months, so check the numbers carefully
- Planning use class and any signage permissions for the premises, to be checked with your council
- Agreements with each organiser on commission, payment timing, refunds and unsold tickets
- Consumer law on ticket sales, and data protection and ICO fee requirements for customer details
- Public liability and contents insurance, plus employer's liability once you hire staff
Deep research report · UK
Everything you need to start: town ticket and booking desk
Researched with live web search for United Kingdom: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to open a ticket and booking desk?
Our estimates suggest startup costs typically around £3,000 to £15,000, depending on the premises and fit-out. Monthly revenue is typically around £1,500 to £7,000, depending on location, season and the commission you agree.
What should I check before opening a ticket desk?
Check rent, business rates and lease terms, as these can outweigh commission in quiet months. Also check planning use class and signage permissions with your council, agreements with each organiser, consumer law, data protection and ICO fee requirements, and insurance.
What skills and time does a ticket desk need?
Friendly, patient customer service, selling and local knowledge, and accurate handling of cash and card payments are key. Our estimates suggest at least around 25 hours a week. Employer's liability insurance is worth checking once you hire staff.
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