Start a small furniture showroom

Local homeowners, renters furnishing a first place, and small businesses fitting out an office.

You buy at wholesale and sell at retail, so the margin is the markup on each piece. Delivery fees, special orders and add-ons like protection plans can bring in extra.

• Selling and talking with customers
• Eye for style and room layout
• Managing stock and supplier orders
• Basic bookkeeping

• Local business license, sales tax permit and resale certificate: check with your state and city or county
• Some states have labeling or registration rules for upholstered furniture and bedding, so check with your state
• General liability and commercial property insurance, plus extra cover if you deliver yourself
• Lease terms and rent: a showroom has fixed costs even in slow months
• Money tied up in stock and delivery damage or returns

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $30,000 to $150,000, depending on the size and location of your space, how much stock you carry, and fit-out and insurance costs. A focused range with special orders can help manage the money tied up in stock.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on your location, product range, pricing and how many customers you attract. Rent is a fixed cost even in slow months, so plan for quieter periods.

Check a local business license, sales tax permit and resale certificate with your state and city or county. Also check whether your state has labeling or registration rules for upholstered furniture and bedding, plus insurance and lease terms.