Wallpaper and decorating shop

Homeowners, local decorators and builders, landlords and small businesses refurbishing premises.

Mark-up on wallpaper sold from stock or ordered in, plus add-on sales of paste, tools and paint. Trade accounts bring regular repeat orders.

• Retail and customer service
• Colour and design advice
• Stock control and ordering
• Building relationships with local trade

• Lease terms, business rates and whether the unit has the right planning use, so check with the landlord and your council
• Competition from DIY chains and online sellers, so think about what you can offer that they do not
• Cash tied up in stock and sample books, and slow-moving designs
• Shop insurance, public liability and employer's liability if you hire staff
• VAT registration once your turnover passes the threshold

Startup costs are typically estimated at around £12,000 to £60,000, depending on the unit, stock and sample books. Monthly revenue is estimated at around £4,000 to £20,000, depending on location and how many trade customers you win.

Check lease terms, business rates and whether the unit has the right planning use with the landlord and your council. Also check shop insurance, public liability, employer's liability if you hire staff, and VAT registration once turnover passes the threshold.

Useful skills are retail and customer service, colour and design advice, stock control and ordering, and building relationships with local trade. The estimate is at least around 35 hours a week.