Trade-Only furniture supplier (ships direct)

Interior designers, boutique hotels, short-term rental owners, small furniture shops and office fit-out companies.

You buy at wholesale and sell at a trade price with a markup, often with a minimum order size. Larger project orders for hotels or rentals bring bigger margins per deal.

• Sales and relationship building
• Negotiating with suppliers
• Organizing orders and deliveries
• Knowing furniture styles and quality

• State seller's permit, resale certificate and sales tax rules, which vary by state
• Product liability and general liability insurance, so check what covers furniture you sell
• Safety and flammability rules for upholstered pieces, and composite wood labeling rules, so check what applies to your suppliers
• Freight damage and returns, so agree who pays before you take orders
• Cash flow if customers pay on credit terms but you pay suppliers up front

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $8,000, depending on your website, catalog and how many supplier relationships you set up. These are estimates, so build your own budget before committing.

Monthly revenue is typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on how many trade customers you win and your order sizes. That is revenue, not profit, and it is only an estimate. Plan for about 15 hours a week at minimum.

Check your state's seller's permit, resale certificate and sales tax rules, which vary by state. Also check product and general liability insurance, safety and flammability rules for upholstered pieces, and composite wood labeling rules with your suppliers.