Patio and outdoor furniture showroom

Homeowners, new movers, small restaurants and cafes with patios, and landlords furnishing outdoor space.

Markup on each piece sold, plus fees for delivery, assembly and add-ons like covers and cushions. Sales are strongest in spring and summer.

• Friendly, helpful selling
• Choosing products that suit your local climate
• Managing inventory and cash flow through the seasons

• Local business license, zoning and certificate of occupancy for a retail space, check with your city or county
• Sales tax registration with your state, and a reseller certificate for buying wholesale
• General liability insurance, plus property insurance covering your stock
• Strong seasonality, so plan cash for the slow months
• Money tied up in bulky inventory and the storage space it needs
• Check product safety and labeling rules for items like fire pits and treated wood, which can vary by state

Estimates put startup costs at typically around $30,000 to $120,000, depending on your retail space and how much bulky inventory you buy. Money tied up in stock and the storage space it needs can be significant.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue of typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on your location, product range and season. Sales are strongly seasonal, so plan cash carefully for the slow months.

Check your city or county for a business license, zoning and certificate of occupancy for retail space. Register with your state for sales tax and get a reseller certificate. Also look at liability and property insurance, and product safety and labeling rules for items like fire pits.