Do you have any good ideas about what to sell in a shop?

Question

There's a shop round the corner from me that has become vacant- and it got me thinking about if I rented it and what I could sell in it. What would be kind of rent for a small shop in a London suburb? And what would be guaranteed to sell?

Answer 1

Before you venture into any business, you need to do your research.

What things do people what?
Of these, which are difficult to get in this area?
What price are they likely to pay?
How much will it cost you - variable costs (buying the stock, wages etc.) - fixed costs (insurance, rent etc)

How much would you have to sell to make a reasonable living?

Is this quantity realistic?

Now put this into a business plan and go find someone to lend you some money to start your business.

You will find cash flow a big challenge, do not underestimate it.

Only when you have all of the above, should you consider starting the business.

Answer 2

I would first figure out all the over head expenses--not just the rent.

Then I would look around and see what type of customers were in the area.

Then I would try to figure out what those customers might want and could I sell enough to make a profit.

Good luck - don't forget the hard work it will take to make the business pay off.

Answer 3

As far as idea's go, I would stay away from home furnishings, health food stores are pretty good (with reasonable prices), kitchen gadgets are decent (with reasonble prices), music stores are good too (used CD's, DVD's).

Nothing is guaranteed to sell. Competition plays a big role in getting involved with this type of work.

Answer 4

Beer - at least send me the address & I'll guarantee to come & buy some!
I keep thinking about doing this - but it would have to be an everything shop - bits & pieces, handmade jewellery, beer (of course - preferably local brews), local produce - honey, jam, hand sewn bits & pieces, plants (mainly herbs).
Trouble is - I'd want to keep everything in MY shop!

Answer 5

Well if ur a girl then I would say something like a little cloths shop .

Answer 6

flowers. get yourself a good florist. you will make money. good honest money.i dont know about renting in london but you adjust your prices to match your bills. flowers sell. you watch a florist on valentines day or mothers day. . i know . i did it. it was excellent. outside factors stopped me from trading. do it. its good fun too