Open an independent mattress showroom

Local households, movers and new homeowners, renters furnishing a place, parents buying kids' beds, and guest room or rental property owners.

You earn the margin between wholesale and retail price on each mattress, plus extras like protectors, pillows, bed frames, delivery fees and old mattress removal.

• Friendly, no-pressure selling
• Choosing and negotiating with suppliers
• Managing stock and a small store
• Organizing deliveries

• Check your state's rules on bedding and mattress labeling, resale of used bedding and the federal flammability standards that suppliers must meet
• Sales tax registration with your state, and whether delivery is taxable
• General liability and property insurance, plus commercial auto cover if you deliver yourself
• Stock and lease costs tie up cash, so negotiate supplier terms before signing a lease
• Mattress returns and comfort guarantees can eat into margin, so check each supplier's return policy

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $25,000 to $100,000, depending on your lease, how much stock you carry and your delivery setup. Stock and lease costs tie up cash, so negotiate supplier terms before signing.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $10,000 to $50,000, depending on location, range and how many customers you win. Returns and comfort guarantees can eat into margin, so check each supplier's return policy.

Check your state's rules on bedding and mattress labeling, resale of used bedding and the federal flammability standards suppliers must meet. Also check sales tax registration, whether delivery is taxable, and insurance, including commercial auto cover if you deliver.