Handmade wood furniture showroom

Households furnishing a new home or replacing mass-produced furniture, plus cottage and cabin owners and people who want long-lasting pieces.

You earn a margin between what you pay the maker and the retail price. Custom orders usually need a deposit up front, and you may add delivery and finishing or care products.

• Sales and customer service
• Building good relationships with makers
• Knowing wood types and construction quality
• Organising orders and deliveries

• Commercial general liability insurance, plus cover for stock and delivery
• Check municipal business licence and zoning rules for retail premises
• Register for GST/HST and check provincial sales tax rules in your province
• Only say 'Amish-made' or 'handmade' if it is true, as misleading claims can breach consumer and competition rules
• Custom orders can take weeks or months, so set clear deposit, lead time and refund terms in writing
• Check consumer protection rules for deposits and delivery in your province
• Slow seasons and large, heavy stock tie up cash, so plan your cash flow

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $25,000 to $120,000, depending on your premises, the stock you hold and how much you spend on displays. Treat this as an estimate and build your own budget, including cash flow for slow seasons.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on your location, the pieces you stock and how many custom orders you take. Revenue is not profit, so allow for stock, rent and delivery costs.

Check municipal business licence and zoning rules for retail premises, GST/HST registration and provincial sales tax rules. Only say 'Amish-made' or 'handmade' if it is true. Also check consumer protection rules for deposits and delivery, and insurance for stock and deliveries.