Oriental rug showroom

Homeowners, interior designers and decorators, and small businesses such as cafes or offices wanting quality floor pieces.

Retail sales at a markup on imported or wholesale rugs, plus trade pricing for designers and extras such as underlays and cleaning referrals.

• Deep knowledge of rug types and quality
• Retail sales and customer service
• Buying, stock control and pricing

• Commercial lease terms, rent and fit-out costs, so get advice before signing
• Import duties, GST and biosecurity rules on rugs, check with the Australian Border Force and the Department of Agriculture
• Public liability and stock insurance, plus workers compensation once you hire staff
• Slow stock turnover, since high-value rugs can take months to sell
• Council approvals for signage and shop use, so check locally

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $25,000 to $100,000, depending on the shop size, lease and fit-out, and how much rug stock you buy. Your own quotes for rent, fit-out and stock will give a more accurate figure.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on location, stock range and how quickly rugs sell. This is revenue, not profit, and high-value rugs can take months to sell.

Check commercial lease terms, import duties, GST and biosecurity rules with the Australian Border Force and the Department of Agriculture, and council approvals for signage and shop use. Also check public liability and stock insurance, and workers compensation once you hire staff.