Occasion wear shop

Tips for success:

• Don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it. The previous owner will probably be more than willing to hand over the business and offer advice. Equally, other shop owners can be helpful telling you about good suppliers and designers - providing they are not in the same area of the country.

• Make sure your administration is very organised - and if it isn't, hire someone who is. A good deal of co-ordination goes into making sure the right garment has arrived, is cleaned, pressed and altered in time for the client picking it up. As word of mouth is likely to be your most important advertising, you can't afford to let people down.

• Be aware that this is more of a buyers market than a sellers market. Businesses are so liked to the personality of the owner that transfer agents do say that they can be on the market for some time. This is to your advantage if you are thinking of buying but remember if you want potentially sell in a few years, this may not be a perfect business.

• Retain enough of the ethos of the old business so as not to alienate the existing customer base but still put your own stamp on it. You might keep the existing name, for example, but alter the décor to suit your taste.

• And the three skills you will need to succeed? Enthusiasm, patience and creativity. This isn't just about selling, it's about wanting people to look their best. For which you will always need creativity, often patience and boundless enthusiasm