Opening an electrical shop

[Boberto]

I've been offered a shop to let and the rent will be considerably less than others in the town centre because it is through a friend. I had considered opening a small electrical shop some years ago but know from experience that it can be tough going to make a go of it, but it would be good to have a presence in the local area high street and also pick up install jobs from passing trade.

Has anyone had any experience in this? Does anyone have any cutting edge ideas to make it a bit different and unique. Trying to think of ways to make It work if I open it and employ someone to run it. Also plan to sell through online sales/ebay etc.

Thanks

 

[Adam W]

So what are you going to be selling? Will it essentially be a DIY shop selling light fittings and sockets and stuff, or will you be selling your services as an electrician, like the concession stands at shopping centres which sell Sky subscriptions and double glazing?

 

[Boberto]

Bit of both. I don't think the selling side will make a killing but I will make up for that picking up the install work.

 

[Octopus]

Hum.... me thinks you need to do a business plan to get a handle on your overheads of having a premises before you do anything!

 

[telectrix]

business rates are the killer.

 

[ruston]

If it is any help to you, we have a small electrical wholesaler in a back street away from the town centre, this shop is an absolute goldmine and has been in business since around 1986. The shop is always busy supplying trade and public alike .

Parking is not a problem , and the shop is now part of the community.

The owner is not an Electrician but he keeps plenty of them going in work.

 

[Adam W]

I think it's an interesting idea and it could work - get your customers to come to you with the information you need and do all your estimates sitting in a shop. You never know, it might catch on. If not and you've still got the shop, you could just go down the wholesalers and buy a load of tat to sell like they do on the Apprentice.

 

[sjhall]

So are you going to take on staff? if this is a shop / merchants, people will expect you to be open set hours, so doing installs might be a tad hard.
Stock - with no trading history in the merchant business most suppliers will not give you much credit if any.

I'm in the process of opening a Plumbing & Electricians Merchants, the investment required is high if you want to hit the ground running.

Your idea could work if you employ trustworthy people.

Edit - just spotted that you would employ someone