Furniture restoration and reupholstery workshop

Households, cafes, restaurants and offices needing seating refreshed, plus furniture retailers, interior designers and landlords.

Quoted price per piece based on labour, fabric and foam. Repeat trade work from businesses and retailers can fill quieter periods.

• Upholstery, sewing and pattern cutting
• Furniture repair and finishing
• Quoting and customer service
• Managing jobs and turnaround times

• Commercial lease terms, and zoning rules for workshop use: check with your local council
• Public liability insurance, plus insurance for customers' goods while in your care
• Workers compensation insurance if you hire staff (check your state scheme)
• Fire safety rules for foam, fabric and finishes in the workshop
• Fabric and foam costs can eat into margin if quotes are too low

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $8,000 to $35,000, depending on the workshop unit, your equipment and the materials you stock. Get quotes for your own set-up before committing.

Check commercial lease terms and zoning for workshop use with your local council. Look into public liability insurance, cover for customers' goods in your care, workers compensation if you hire (check your state scheme), and fire safety rules for foam, fabric and finishes.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on the jobs you take and how well you quote. Estimated time starts from about 30 hours a week. Fabric and foam costs can eat into margin.