By-Appointment showroom at home

Households furnishing or renovating a home, plus small businesses like cafes or offices that want to see items in person first.

You earn a margin on each sale, or a commission or trade discount from the supplier. Larger items and made-to-order pieces bring higher margins per sale. Delivery or styling advice can add a small extra fee.

• Good eye for product and display
• Friendly, patient selling
• Organised with bookings and orders

• Council approval for a home-based business, and rules on customers visiting, parking and signage
• Public liability insurance, since customers will be on your property
• Australian Consumer Law on refunds, faulty goods and accurate product descriptions
• Cash tied up in display stock, and GST registration once turnover reaches the threshold
• Personal safety when meeting new customers at home

Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on the product niche and how much display stock and samples you buy. These are estimates, so watch how much cash gets tied up in display pieces.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on your product niche and how many customers you book in. That is revenue, not profit, so allow for your stock and running costs.

Check council approval for a home-based business, including rules on customer visits, parking and signage. Also look into public liability insurance, Australian Consumer Law on refunds and faulty goods, GST registration, and personal safety.