Online rustic furniture shop

Households furnishing a home, people with period or country-style properties, and some cafes, pubs and holiday lets.

You earn the difference between what you pay for or make a piece and your selling price, plus delivery charges. Furniture is a high-value item, so a few sales a month can matter.

• An eye for good quality furniture
• Photography and writing clear product listings
• Customer service and organising deliveries

• Furniture fire safety rules apply to upholstered items, check what applies before selling any
• Distance selling rules give online customers cancellation and returns rights, check the details for your products
• Bulky item delivery can be costly and damage is a risk, check courier and insurance options
• Check where reclaimed timber comes from and that it is legally sold and treated
• Register as a sole trader or company and check when VAT registration applies

Startup costs are estimated at typically around £1,500 to £8,000, depending on your initial stock, website, photography and any restoration materials. Using suppliers who deliver straight to customers may help keep costs down.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around £500 to £4,000, depending on your stock, prices, how well you market it and the hours you put in. The idea assumes at least about 8 hours a week. Revenue is not profit.

Check furniture fire safety rules for upholstered items and distance selling rules on cancellations and returns. Look at courier and insurance options for bulky deliveries. Check reclaimed timber is legally sold and treated, and whether to register as a sole trader or company and for VAT.