Online second-hand office furniture seller

Home workers, start-ups, small businesses, schools, charities and landlords furnishing offices.

You buy stock cheaply or take it free for clearance, then sell at a higher price. Profit per item is the sale price minus purchase, transport, cleaning and any repairs.

• Spotting good quality furniture and fair prices
• Taking clear photos and writing honest listings
• Lifting safely and basic cleaning or repair
• Customer service and negotiation

• Storage space: check your lease, mortgage or council rules if stock is kept at home, or whether a rented unit is needed
• Public liability insurance and cover for stock in storage
• Upholstered furniture sold in the UK has fire safety labelling rules, check what applies to second-hand items with Trading Standards
• Safe lifting and a suitable vehicle, so you need to check van insurance covers carrying goods for business
• Check you are allowed to sell items with brand logos or clear ownership, and keep records of where stock came from

Startup costs are typically around £500 to £4,000, depending on how much stock you buy, whether you need storage space and what vehicle access you have. Treat this as an estimate and check your own costs before buying stock.

Monthly revenue is typically around £500 to £3,500, depending on what you buy, how quickly stock sells and your prices. That is revenue, not profit, so allow for stock, fuel, storage and fees. Treat it as an estimate.

Check storage rules with your landlord, lender or council if stock is kept at home, and look into public liability and stock cover. Also check fire safety labelling for upholstered furniture with Trading Standards, and that your van insurance covers business goods.