Budget furniture shop near a busy shopping strip

Renters, first-home setters, students, families furnishing a spare room and anyone after quick, low-cost furniture.

Mark-up on each item bought from wholesalers or importers, plus extra income from delivery, assembly and add-ons like mattresses or storage.

• Choosing stock that sells
• Customer service and selling
• Managing stock and cash flow
• Basic lifting and assembly

• Lease terms, bonds and rent reviews, ideally get a lawyer to read the lease before you sign
• Public liability and contents insurance
• Australian Consumer Law rules on refunds, repairs and product guarantees
• Some products (such as cots and children's items) may have mandatory safety standards, check with the ACCC
• Money tied up in unsold stock, start with a small range
• GST registration once your turnover reaches the threshold
• Heavy lifting, plan for safe handling and delivery

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $25,000 to $80,000, depending on your lease and bond, shopfit, insurance and how much stock you buy. Starting with a small range limits the money tied up in unsold stock.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on your location, range and pricing. Revenue isn't profit, since rent and stock take a large share. The estimate assumes at least about 30 hours a week.

Check your lease terms, bond and rent reviews, ideally with a lawyer. Also check Australian Consumer Law rules on refunds and guarantees, mandatory safety standards for items like cots with the ACCC, and when GST registration applies.