Home showroom by appointment

Local buyers who want to see items in person before buying, plus designers or contractors who send clients to view samples.

A margin on each item sold, either from stock you hold or from orders placed with suppliers. You can charge for delivery or setup on top.

• Sales and friendly customer service
• Display and styling
• Scheduling and follow-up
• Basic bookkeeping

• Home occupation permit and zoning rules for customer visits, check with your city or county
• HOA covenants or rental lease terms that may ban business visitors
• Homeowner's insurance often excludes business activity, ask about general liability cover
• Sales tax registration and seller's permit, check with your state
• Parking and safety when meeting customers at your home

Startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the products you display, how much you convert or fit out the space, and your initial stock. Treat this as an estimate and price your own setup before committing.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on your product range, your prices and how many appointments you book. These are estimates, not guarantees, and revenue is not the same as profit after stock and running costs.

Check home occupation permit and zoning rules for customer visits with your city or county. Also review any HOA covenants or lease terms, ask your insurer about general liability cover, and check sales tax registration and a seller's permit with your state.