Unfinished furniture shop with finishing supplies

Local homeowners, renters, parents furnishing children's rooms, upcyclers and crafters.

Markup on furniture, plus finishing products sold with each piece. Paid workshops or an optional painting service can add income.

• Retail selling and customer service
• Stock buying and cash flow management
• Basic knowledge of paints, stains and wood finishes
• Local marketing

• Commercial lease terms, business rates and deposits, so take advice before signing
• Planning use class for the unit, check with the council
• Public liability insurance, plus buildings and stock cover, and employer's liability insurance if you hire
• Product safety and furniture fire safety rules, check with Trading Standards
• Stock tied up in large items can strain cash flow, so start small
• Some paints and solvents have storage and safety rules to check

Startup costs are typically around £8,000 to £35,000, depending on the premises, your opening stock of furniture and finishing supplies, and shop fit-out. These are estimates, and stock in large items can strain cash flow, so start small.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £3,000 to £15,000, depending on your location, your range and any extras such as workshops or a finishing service. Plan your stock carefully so cash is not tied up in large pieces.

Get advice on commercial lease terms, business rates and deposits, and check the planning use class with the council. Also check product safety and furniture fire safety rules, storage and safety rules for paints and solvents, and your insurance cover.