Second-hand office furniture showroom

Start-ups, small businesses, community groups, schools and people setting up a home office.

You buy stock cheaply in bulk, clean and repair it, then sell at a markup. Extra income can come from delivery, set-up and office clear-outs.

• Spotting good-quality stock at the right price
• Basic repair and cleaning
• Negotiating with sellers and buyers
• Customer service

• Check your lease and local council zoning rules for retail or bulky goods use
• Public liability insurance and cover for your stock
• Check that second-hand chairs and furniture are safe and in sound condition before selling
• Lifting heavy furniture: plan for safe handling and a ute or van, and check workers compensation rules in your state if you hire help
• Stock can sit unsold for a long time, so be careful not to over-buy

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $10,000 to $40,000, depending on the unit, your first round of stock and how you handle transport. Stock can sit unsold for a long time, so be careful not to over-buy.

Check your lease and local council zoning rules for retail or bulky goods use. Also check public liability insurance, cover for your stock, that second-hand chairs and furniture are safe before selling, and workers compensation rules in your state if you hire help.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue of typically around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on your stock quality, pricing and location. Slow-moving stock can hold cash back. Plan on at least around 30 hours a week, including sourcing and lifting.