Furniture wholesaler with a small warehouse

Independent furniture stores, restaurants, cafes, small hotels, property managers and interior designers.

You buy in larger quantities at lower prices and sell at a wholesale markup, with repeat orders and stock-ready project packages.

• Sales and account management
• Inventory and logistics planning
• Negotiating prices and payment terms
• Managing cash flow

• Tied-up cash in stock that does not sell, so start with a small range
• Warehouse zoning, lease terms and fire code rules, which vary by city or county
• Import duties, tariffs and shipping costs if buying from overseas, so check current rules with a customs broker
• Flammability, wood sourcing and composite wood labeling rules, so check what applies to your products
• General liability, product liability and property insurance, plus workers' compensation once you hire
• Customers paying late on credit terms

Startup costs are typically around $20,000 to $80,000, depending on warehouse rent and deposit, how much stock you buy and your delivery setup. Starting with a small range helps limit cash tied up in stock that does not sell.

Monthly revenue is typically around $15,000 to $75,000, depending on your range, customer mix and how quickly stock sells. This is revenue before costs, and only an estimate. Expect around 35 hours a week at minimum.

Check warehouse zoning, lease terms and fire code rules, which vary by city or county. Also check import duties and tariffs with a customs broker if buying overseas, flammability and composite wood labeling rules, and your insurance needs.