Cane and rattan furniture showroom

Local homeowners, interior decorators and hospitality buyers like cafes, resorts and restaurants furnishing outdoor areas.

Retail margin on each piece sold, plus delivery fees and larger trade orders. Seasonal peaks around spring and summer outdoor living are common.

• Retail selling and display
• Supplier relationships and buying
• Basic bookkeeping and stock control
• Customer service

• Commercial leases can be long and costly, so get advice before signing
• Check council approval for the premises and any signage rules
• Public liability and contents insurance are worth checking, along with workers compensation once you hire staff
• Stock holding ties up cash, and natural-fibre furniture can be damaged by damp or pests in storage
• Australian Consumer Law applies to refunds and repairs, and GST registration is needed once turnover reaches the threshold

Startup costs are typically around $25,000 to $100,000, depending on the premises, fit-out and how much stock you hold. These are estimates only. Stock and leases tie up cash, so get advice before signing anything.

Monthly revenue is typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on your location, range and how much you also sell online. This is an estimate of revenue, not profit, because rent and stock costs come out of it.

Check council approval for the premises and any signage rules, and get advice on commercial lease terms. Look at public liability and contents insurance, plus workers compensation once you hire staff. Australian Consumer Law applies to refunds and repairs, and GST registration applies once turnover reaches the threshold.