Pine furniture shop

Households furnishing kitchens, bedrooms and country-style homes, plus holiday let owners and small interior buyers.

You sell at a mark-up on bought-in pieces, or at a higher margin on items you restore or have made. Delivery, waxing or painting, and made-to-measure pieces can add extra income.

• An eye for good quality furniture
• Basic restoration or finishing
• Customer service and negotiating
• Pricing stock and managing cash flow

• Public liability and stock insurance, plus employer's liability if you hire
• Business rates and lease terms on premises, check what relief you may qualify for
• UK fire safety rules for upholstered furniture apply to anything with padding or fabric, check the requirements with Trading Standards
• Stock tied up in unsold pieces can strain cash flow
• If you sell second-hand pieces, check for woodworm and make sure items are sound before selling

Startup costs are typically around £6,000 to £30,000 as an estimate, depending on your premises, lease terms, the amount of stock you buy and whether you restore pieces yourself. Unsold stock can also tie up cash.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around £2,500 to £12,000, depending on your stock, pricing and location. The estimate assumes working at least about 35 hours a week, and stock tied up in unsold pieces can strain cash flow.

Check the UK fire safety rules for upholstered furniture with Trading Standards, as they apply to anything with padding or fabric. Also check business rates and lease terms, and arrange public liability and stock insurance.