Cane and rattan furniture showroom

Local homeowners, interior designers, and cafés, restaurants and hotels furnishing a space.

Retail margin on each piece sold, plus delivery fees and trade orders from hospitality and design clients. Sales usually peak in spring and early summer for patio ranges.

• Retail sales and customer service
• Buying stock and managing inventory
• Basic bookkeeping and display styling

• Commercial lease terms, deposits and fit-out costs, so have them reviewed before signing
• Seasonality, since patio furniture sells in warmer months, so plan cash flow for the winter
• Import duties and customs rules if you buy directly from overseas, check with the Canada Border Services Agency
• Business licence, signage and zoning rules, check with your municipality
• Commercial general liability and property insurance, and WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire, rules vary by province
• In Quebec, check the French-language rules for signs, receipts and product information

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $25,000 to $80,000, depending on your lease, deposits, fit-out and the stock you buy. Have lease terms reviewed before signing.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on your location, stock range and season, since patio furniture sells in warmer months. This is revenue before costs. Plan for at least about 35 hours a week.

Check commercial lease terms, business licence, signage and zoning rules with your municipality, and import duties if buying overseas. Also check insurance, WCB/WSIB once you hire, and French-language rules for signs and receipts in Quebec.