Unfinished furniture showroom

Local households, renovators, renters on a budget, and people who like to customise furniture.

Markup on furniture sales, plus extra from paint, stain, brushes and sandpaper. Some shops also charge for delivery or offer a finishing service.

• Retail and customer service
• Buying and stock control
• Knowledge of timber, sanding and finishes
• Basic bookkeeping

• Rent and fit-out are the big costs, so check the lease closely before signing
• Public liability and product liability insurance, plus workers compensation once you hire staff
• Mandatory safety standards for some furniture, such as cots and bunk beds. Check with the ACCC
• Council rules on signage, trading hours and any approvals for your premises
• Stock tied up in bulky items, so start with a small range that sells well
• Register for GST once turnover reaches the threshold

Startup costs are typically around $20,000 to $90,000 as an estimate, depending on rent, fit-out and how much stock you buy. Rent and fit-out are the big costs, so check the lease closely before signing.

Monthly revenue is typically around $8,000 to $35,000 as an estimate, depending on your location, range and how well your displays sell. Bulky stock can tie up money, so a small range that sells well is a sensible start.

Check with the ACCC about mandatory safety standards for some furniture, such as cots and bunk beds. Also check council rules on signage, trading hours and approvals, insurance requirements, and GST registration once turnover reaches the threshold.