Small sofa showroom

Households furnishing a new home, renters moving up to better furniture, and people replacing worn lounges. Sometimes small businesses such as cafes and offices.

You buy from local makers or importers and sell at a markup. Extra income comes from delivery fees, fabric protection add-ons and custom orders paid partly upfront.

• Selling and listening to what customers need
• Knowing fabrics, frames and quality
• Managing stock, suppliers and delivery bookings

• Commercial lease terms, bond and fit-out costs, so get advice before signing
• Australian Consumer Law: refunds, repairs and consumer guarantees apply to furniture, so check what you must offer
• Imported furniture may need checks on product safety, labelling, timber and biosecurity rules
• Public liability and stock insurance, plus workers compensation once you hire staff
• Handling deposits on custom orders and supplier delays, and check any state rules on deposits or lay-by
• Cash tied up in floor stock if sales are slow

Startup costs are typically around $40,000 to $150,000, depending on your lease, bond, fit-out and how much floor stock you buy. These are estimates, so get advice and quotes before signing a lease.

Monthly revenue is typically around $15,000 to $70,000, depending on your location, range and how many sales you make. This is an estimate, and cash can be tied up in floor stock if sales are slow.

Check Australian Consumer Law obligations on refunds, repairs and consumer guarantees, and product safety, labelling, timber and biosecurity rules for imported furniture. Also check lease terms, insurance, and any state rules on deposits or lay-by for custom orders.