Small sofa showroom with special orders

Homeowners, renters furnishing a new place, and people replacing worn-out seating in your area.

You buy from manufacturers at wholesale and sell at retail. Extra income comes from delivery and setup fees, fabric protection plans, and add-ons like pillows and ottomans.

• Friendly, patient selling
• An eye for style and room layout
• Organizing orders, suppliers and deliveries

• Check with your city or county for a general business license, plus any zoning, occupancy or signage permits for a retail unit
• Check your state's sales tax registration and resale certificate rules
• Check state labeling and flammability rules for upholstered furniture with your suppliers and state agency
• General liability and property insurance, plus cover for goods in transit
• Lease terms, deposits and personal guarantees before signing
• Customers may cancel or dispute special orders, so set clear deposit and returns terms
• Delays or damage in delivery can hurt your reputation, so check how suppliers handle freight claims

Startup costs are typically around $40,000 to $120,000, depending on your premises, floor models and fit-out. Because most sales are special orders from manufacturers, you carry little stock. Check lease terms, deposits and personal guarantees before signing.

Check with your city or county for a general business license, plus zoning, occupancy or signage permits. Check your state's sales tax registration and resale certificate rules, and state labeling and flammability rules for upholstered furniture with your suppliers and state agency.

Monthly revenue is typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on how many orders you take and the price range you sell. These are revenue estimates, not profit. A retail unit usually means working at least about 40 hours a week.