Hospitality furniture showroom and warehouse

Pub and restaurant owners, cafe start-ups, hotels, fit-out contractors and interior designers in your area.

You buy at trade prices and sell at a margin. Stocked best-sellers give quick sales, while made-to-order items and bulk fit-out orders raise the value per customer. Delivery and assembly can be charged for.

• Sales and negotiation
• Managing stock and suppliers
• Customer service with business owners

• Upholstered furniture usually has to meet UK fire safety rules, so check the regulations and ask for supplier evidence
• Stock tied up in unsold items is a cash flow risk, so start with a small range
• Check business rates, planning use class and the lease terms before signing for premises
• Public liability, product liability and contents insurance are worth checking
• Check delivery arrangements, as you may need a van or a delivery partner
• Check whether and when you need to register for VAT

Startup costs are typically around £20,000 to £80,000, depending on the premises, how much stock you buy and your fit-out. Check business rates, planning use class and lease terms before signing for any unit.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £8,000 to £35,000, depending on your location, range and how many venue owners and fit-out firms buy from you. This is revenue, not profit.

Upholstered furniture usually has to meet UK fire safety rules, so check the regulations and ask for supplier evidence. Also check business rates, planning use class, lease terms, insurance, delivery arrangements, and when to register for VAT.