Secondhand and vintage furniture showroom

First-time renters and buyers, students, young families, people furnishing a rental property and shoppers who want character pieces at lower prices.

You buy stock cheaply from estate sales, online listings, auctions and clear-outs, then sell at a markup. Delivery fees and small repair or refinishing jobs can add extra income.

• Spotting good-value pieces
• Basic cleaning and repair
• Pricing and negotiating
• Customer service

• Check your province's rules on selling used upholstered goods, as some provinces have stuffing, labelling or bed bug related requirements
• Inspect every piece for pests, mould and smoke or pet odours before it enters your shop
• Commercial general liability insurance and cover for your stock
• Rent is a fixed cost, so slow winter months can be tight; keep some cash in reserve
• Collect and remit GST/HST or PST where required; check with the Canada Revenue Agency and your province

Startup costs are typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on your premises and stock. Rent is a fixed cost, so keep some cash in reserve for slow winter months.

Check your province's rules on selling used upholstered goods, as some have stuffing, labelling or bed bug related requirements. Check GST/HST or PST with the Canada Revenue Agency and your province, and arrange liability insurance and cover for your stock.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your stock, pricing and location. Slow winter months can be tight because rent is fixed.