Garden furniture showroom

Homeowners, renters with balconies or courtyards, and small cafes, strata managers and holiday rentals furnishing outdoor areas.

You buy from wholesalers or importers and sell at a retail margin. Extra income can come from delivery, assembly, covers and cushions.

• Customer service and selling
• Stock buying and ordering
• Organising deliveries and suppliers

• Lease terms, bond and fit-out costs, which can be your biggest commitment
• Australian Consumer Law, including consumer guarantees, refunds and warranties
• Product safety and labelling requirements, so check with the ACCC and your supplier
• Public liability and stock insurance, plus workers compensation if you hire staff
• Seasonal sales, so plan your cash flow for slower months
• Registering for GST once your turnover reaches the threshold
• Council rules on signage and displaying goods outside

Startup costs are typically around $40,000 to $150,000, depending on your premises, fit-out and how much stock you hold. Lease terms, bond and fit-out costs can be your biggest commitment, so read the lease carefully.

Monthly revenue is typically around $12,000 to $55,000, depending on your location, range and how well you sell. Sales can be seasonal, so plan your cash flow for slower months. These are estimates only.

Things to check include Australian Consumer Law (guarantees, refunds, warranties), product safety and labelling with the ACCC and your supplier, and council rules on signage and outdoor displays. Also check insurance and when to register for GST.