Handmade wood furniture showroom

Homeowners furnishing a first or forever home, downsizing retirees, and people who want solid wood pieces built to last.

You earn the markup between the builder's wholesale price and your retail price. Custom orders usually come with a deposit, and delivery or finishing options can add extra income.

• Friendly, patient selling
• Knowing wood types and finishes
• Building relationships with craftspeople
• Keeping track of orders and lead times

• Sales tax registration with your state, and your city or county business license
• Some states have rules for selling upholstered furniture or bedding, check with your state agency
• Be accurate when describing pieces as handmade or solid wood, and where they were made
• Long lead times and deposits, so put terms in writing to avoid disputes
• Rent and floor samples tie up cash before sales come in

Startup costs are typically around $15,000 to $75,000, depending on location, rent and how many floor samples you buy. Rent and floor samples tie up cash before sales come in, so plan for that gap.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on location, stock and how many custom orders you win. Long lead times and deposits matter, so put terms in writing to avoid disputes.

Check your state sales tax registration and your city or county business license. Some states have rules for upholstered furniture or bedding, so check with your state agency. Describe pieces accurately as handmade or solid wood, and say where they were made.