uPVC windows and doors trade counter and showroom
Open a small unit with a display area, supplying uPVC windows and doors to installers, builders and homeowners.
- £15k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
Official data
377 UK companies in this field, 19% registered in the last 2 years
SIC 22230 “Manufacture of builders ware of plastic”. Source: Companies House, November 2026.
What it is
A small unit or shop with sample windows and doors on display, a trade counter and some stock of common sizes and fittings. Most made-to-measure orders come from a fabricator, with a few standard items kept on the shelf.
Your first three steps
- Set up trade accounts with one or two fabricators and ask about display samples and delivery arrangements
- Look at units to rent near trade routes and compare lease terms, rates and parking
- Speak to local installers and builders about what they need and who they currently buy from
Who pays
Local installers and builders on trade accounts, plus homeowners and landlords who walk in or enquire online.
How it makes money
Margin on windows and doors sold, plus extras such as trims, sills, handles and glazing accessories. Trade accounts bring repeat orders.
Skills that help
- Sales and quoting
- Product knowledge of windows, doors and glazing
- Managing stock and suppliers
- Customer service
Watch out for
- Lease commitments and business rates, so check costs before signing
- Stock and display samples tie up cash, so start small
- Check the product standards and certification that apply to what you sell
- If you also fit windows, check the competent person scheme rules and Building Regulations
- Public liability, product liability and stock insurance, plus employer's liability once you hire
- Trade credit risk, so set clear payment terms and credit limits
Deep research report · UK
Everything you need to start: uPVC windows and doors trade counter and showroom
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 uPVC windows and doors showroom?
Startup costs are typically around £15,000 to £60,000, depending on the premises, display samples and opening stock. Monthly revenue is estimated at around £10,000 to £50,000, depending on your trade accounts and walk-in sales.
What should I check before opening a windows trade counter?
Check lease commitments and business rates before signing, and the product standards and certification that apply to what you sell. If you also fit windows, check the competent person scheme rules and Building Regulations.
How much stock should I hold when starting a windows showroom?
Stock and display samples tie up cash, so start small. Set clear payment terms and credit limits for trade customers, and check public liability, product liability and stock insurance, plus employer's liability once you hire.
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