Unfinished furniture shop

DIY-minded homeowners, first-time home buyers, people furnishing cottages or rentals, and crafters who like to upcycle.

You buy furniture wholesale from makers or distributors and sell it at a markup. Finishing supplies, delivery fees and custom orders add extra income.

• Knowing wood types and furniture quality
• Customer service and advice on finishing
• Stock buying and inventory control

• Commercial general liability insurance and cover for your stock
• Sales tax rules (GST, HST, PST or QST) depend on your province, so check how to collect and report them
• Children's furniture such as cribs and bunk beds has federal safety rules, so check Health Canada requirements before stocking it
• Quebec has French-language requirements for signage and customer service, so check them if you open there
• Check commercial lease terms, zoning and municipal licensing before you sign
• Furniture is bulky and ties up cash in stock, so plan storage and a delivery option

Estimates typically run around $25,000 to $80,000, depending on premises, stock and storage. Furniture is bulky and ties up cash in stock, so plan storage and a delivery option.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on location, range and customer traffic. Revenue is not profit, so allow for rent, stock and tax.

Check sales tax rules (GST, HST, PST or QST) for your province, Health Canada requirements for children's furniture such as cribs and bunk beds, and Quebec French-language rules if relevant. Also check lease terms, zoning, municipal licensing and insurance.