Rustic and reclaimed furniture showroom

Homeowners furnishing a new place, people redecorating, vacation rental owners, and small cafes or restaurants wanting a warm, worn-in look.

You buy or make pieces at a lower price and sell them at a markup. Extra income can come from local delivery fees, custom orders from makers you partner with, and décor add-ons.

• Eye for quality and style
• Selling and customer service
• Sourcing and negotiating with suppliers
• Basic furniture repair and finishing

• Check your state's sales tax registration and whether you need a resale certificate for buying wholesale
• Check your city or county for a local business license and zoning rules for retail space
• General liability insurance, plus coverage for stock and delivery
• Lead paint, pests and structural weakness in old or salvaged pieces, so inspect and treat before selling
• Check rules on selling used cribs or children's furniture, which can be restricted
• Furniture is bulky and slow to sell, so watch cash tied up in stock and rent

Startup costs are typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on your premises, how much stock you buy and how you fit out the space. Furniture is bulky and slow to sell, so watch cash tied up in stock and rent.

Monthly revenue is typically around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on location, your stock mix and how quickly pieces sell. That is revenue, not profit, so rent, stock and delivery costs come out of it.

Check your state's sales tax registration and whether you need a resale certificate for wholesale buying. Also check your city or county for a local business license and retail zoning rules, plus insurance and rules on selling used cribs.