How to start a small furniture showroom in Australia
Open a local showroom where customers can see, sit on and buy quality furniture.
- A$25k-100k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
A small shop or showroom selling furniture for homes and offices, such as lounges, tables, beds and storage. It can focus on a style or price range, like Scandi, second-hand or made in Australia.
Your first three steps
- Research local competitors and rents, and choose a niche and a shop location with good foot or drive-by traffic
- Set up supplier accounts and test demand with a small range, ideally with a short lease or a pop-up
- Register your ABN and business name, then arrange insurance and a simple point of sale system
Who pays
Local households, first-home buyers, landlords and small businesses who want to see furniture before buying.
How it makes money
Retail markup on furniture bought from suppliers, plus delivery fees, custom orders and sometimes finance or layby options.
Skills that help
- Selling and talking with customers
- Buying and stock control
- Basic shop and money management
Watch out for
- Lease terms and rent: check the length, rent reviews and exit options before signing
- Stock tied up in unsold furniture, start small
- Australian Consumer Law on refunds, guarantees and layby rules in your state
- Public liability, contents and business insurance
- Workers compensation insurance once you hire staff
- Check council rules on signage and shop fit-out
Deep research report · Australia
Everything you need to start: small furniture showroom
Researched with live web search for Australia: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a furniture showroom in Australia?
Startup costs are typically around $25,000 to $100,000, depending on the premises, the fit-out and how much stock you buy. Starting small with stock helps avoid money being tied up in unsold furniture.
How much revenue can a small furniture showroom make?
Monthly revenue is typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on your location, range and pricing. These are estimates only, and rent, stock and any wages would need to be covered from that revenue.
What rules should I check before opening a furniture showroom?
Check your lease terms, including length, rent reviews and exit options. Also check Australian Consumer Law on refunds, guarantees and layby in your state, your insurance cover, council rules on signage and fit-out, and workers compensation once you hire staff.
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