Neighborhood rug showroom

Homeowners, renters furnishing a new place, interior designers, stagers and small businesses such as offices and cafes.

Markup on each rug sold, plus add-ons like rug pads, cleaning referrals and special orders. Designer and trade accounts can bring repeat bulk sales.

• Eye for color, pattern and room size
• Friendly, patient selling
• Inventory and supplier management

• Stock ties up cash, so start with a small range and track what sells
• Check your state's sales tax registration and resale certificate rules
• Check federal labeling rules for textile products and country of origin with the FTC
• General liability and property insurance, and what your lease says about signage and deliveries
• Seasonal slow periods, so plan your cash flow

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $30,000 to $120,000, depending on your premises, fit-out and opening stock. Stock ties up cash, so start with a small range and track what sells.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on location, range and who you sell to. Seasonal slow periods can affect sales, so plan your cash flow ahead.

Check your state's sales tax registration and resale certificate rules, and federal labeling rules for textile products and country of origin with the FTC. Also check general liability and property insurance, and what your lease says about signage and deliveries.