11/06/2026
πβοΈ AN HONEST POST ππ₯
Running a small business in retail can take 3 - 5years to become truly profitable π!
I am lucky that I don't have "bricks & mortar" as a shop can have incredibly high upfront costs.
This is why I opted for a portacabin - if the shops quiet, I don't have the stress of paying rent π΅ or business rates.
The initial set up for my shop was all paid for with my redundancy from my last job. I paid someone to do the groundwork, bought the portacabin, bought freezers, put electric in and bought all the stock. After this I had Β£0.00 left in my account.
βοΈI don't owe anyone
βοΈ I don't have an overdraught
βοΈAs soon as I put an order in , its paid for
βοΈ I rely on money in = buy more stock
βοΈ I am VAT registered now so 20% goes to HMRC
βοΈ My profits are minimal
βοΈ My electricity is my main outgoing
βοΈ I still don't pay myself a weekly wage π€
So, if a regular item isn't on the shelf - I am just waiting for money to go back into my shops account!
I have made mistakes buying stock that doesn't sell - harnesses, supplements, gift items. These either go out of date or I sell them for less than I paid for them.
I thought this very honest post would help to make you all understand that in retail- it isn't always easy.
I LOVE β€οΈ running my shop, seeing my regulars, having a good chat, giving advice, meeting new customers and being at home for my kids π¬, dogsπ and π horses and this is why I continue to carry on - even when somedays it can be tough and a worry πͺ.
Supporting a small , local businesses is so important so pass on to friends and family that my wee shop is here please. π
This post is not for sympathy or to say I will be closing, its just to make others understand that I don't have endless money and every penny counts! π
The first picture shows reality - answering the phone, serving customers, answering emails , keeping dogs happy with free treats, unpacking stock, writing lists for the next week of what I need and trying to get 10mins to get a coffee βοΈ π.
Thank you to everyone who continues to come in to see me - its means the world π.