Start a rug showroom with design advice

Homeowners, people moving or renovating, interior designers, decorators and small businesses such as cafés and offices.

Retail margin on rugs, plus rug pads, cleaning products and special orders. Trade accounts with designers can bring repeat business.

• Retail selling and giving advice
• Eye for colour, pattern and room layout
• Buying stock and managing cash flow

• Stock ties up cash, so start with a tight range and watch slow sellers
• Check your municipality for a business licence, signage and zoning rules
• Read lease terms carefully, including length, rent increases and who pays for repairs
• Check how GST/HST and provincial sales tax apply, and register once required
• Commercial general liability and contents insurance, so confirm with a broker
• Winter and slow seasons can cut foot traffic, so build in an online or designer income stream

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $25,000 to $100,000, depending on the premises, lease terms and how much stock you buy. Stock ties up cash, so a tight starting range and watching slow sellers can help.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on location, range, prices and whether you add designer trade sales or online income. Winter and slow seasons can reduce foot traffic.

Check your municipality for a business licence, signage and zoning rules, and read lease terms carefully. Also check how GST/HST and provincial sales tax apply, and confirm commercial general liability and contents insurance with a broker.