Leather coat boutique with repairs and fitting

Local shoppers looking for a good fit and advice, people who want an old coat repaired, and customers ordering a custom piece.

Retail margin on coats sold, plus fees for repairs and alterations and deposits on made-to-measure orders. Sales are usually strongest in fall and winter.

• Retail buying and pricing
• Customer service and fitting advice
• Knowledge of leather types and care

• Check city or county business license, sales tax registration and any certificate of occupancy for the space
• Lease commitments, and seasonal cash flow with a lot of money tied up in winter stock
• General liability and property insurance
• Federal labeling rules for fur trim and restrictions on exotic skins
• Check workers' compensation rules before hiring staff

Startup costs are typically around $25,000 to $100,000, depending on the lease, shop fit-out and how much stock you carry. A lot of money can be tied up in winter stock, so plan your cash flow.

Check your city or county business license, sales tax registration and any certificate of occupancy for the space. Also check lease commitments, insurance, federal labeling rules for fur trim, exotic skin restrictions, and workers' compensation rules before hiring.

Monthly revenue is typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on your location, stock and the repair and made-to-measure services you offer. Cash flow can be seasonal, with the busiest months in fall and winter.