Home studio showroom by appointment

Local homeowners, new movers, decorators and small businesses who prefer a personal, no-pressure viewing to browsing a big store.

You earn the margin on each sale, often on made-to-order items so you carry little stock. Some owners add paid design advice or delivery and installation coordination.

• Selling and customer service
• Good eye for display and styling
• Online listings and basic photography
• Keeping track of orders and suppliers

• Home-based business licence and zoning limits on client visits, check with your municipality
• Home insurance may not cover business visitors or stock, ask your insurer about commercial liability cover
• GST/HST registration once you pass the small supplier threshold, plus provincial sales tax rules
• Condo, strata or rental agreements that may not allow customer visits
• Tying up money in display samples that may not sell
• Safety and privacy when inviting customers into your home, consider a separate entrance

Startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $10,000 CAD, depending on the range you display, how many samples you buy and how you fit out the space. Keep sample stock modest at first, since display pieces may not sell.

Check your municipality's home-based business licence and zoning limits on client visits. Also check condo, strata or rental rules, whether your insurer covers business visitors and stock, and GST/HST registration once you pass the small supplier threshold.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,000 to $5,000 CAD, depending on your product range, pricing and how many appointments you book. The estimates assume at least about 8 hours a week.