Second-Hand computer shop with repairs

Open a small high street shop selling refurbished computers and parts, with repairs to bring customers in.

Startup cost£8k to £30k
Monthly revenue£3k to £15k
Time needed35+ h/week
First incomeMonths
  • £8k-30k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises

Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.

What it is

A small shop selling refurbished laptops, desktops, monitors and parts, with a repair and upgrade counter. Walk-in customers can see and try machines before buying.

Your first three steps

  1. Check rents and footfall in two or three nearby towns and visit competing shops to see what they stock and charge
  2. Line up regular stock suppliers such as business liquidators, leasing firms and trade auctions
  3. Test demand first with a market stall or online listings before signing a shop lease
Who pays

Local households, students, small businesses and people needing a quick repair or an affordable replacement.

How it makes money

Margin on refurbished sales and parts, plus repair, upgrade and data transfer fees. Repairs often bring in steady regular work alongside sales.

Skills that help
  • Hardware repair and diagnostics
  • Buying used stock at the right price
  • Retail and customer service
  • Basic bookkeeping and stock control
Watch out for
  • Shop lease terms, business rates and deposits: get advice before signing
  • Public liability and stock or contents insurance, and employers' liability if you hire
  • Securely wiping customer and stock data, and handling customer data under UK GDPR
  • WEEE and electrical waste rules for disposing of old equipment: check with your local council
  • Consumer rights on second-hand goods and repairs, so offer clear warranties and written terms

🔒 Full research report for UK

Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.

Coming soon

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to open a second-hand computer shop?

Startup costs are typically around £8,000 to £30,000, depending on the premises, deposit, shop fit-out and how much stock and repair equipment you buy. Treat this as an estimate and build a budget for your own location.

What rules should I check before opening a computer repair shop?

Check your shop lease terms, business rates and deposits, and get advice before signing. Also check insurance, UK GDPR for customer data, WEEE rules for disposing of old equipment with your council, and consumer rights on second-hand goods and repairs.

How much can a second-hand computer shop earn?

Monthly revenue is typically around £3,000 to £15,000, depending on location, footfall, the mix of sales and repairs, and the stock you carry. These are estimates, and you would need to deduct rent, stock and other costs.

Other ways to run this business

Similar retail ideas

More ideas →