Unfinished furniture showroom

DIY-minded homeowners, first-time home buyers, renters on a budget, parents furnishing kids' rooms and people who want a specific color or finish.

You buy from furniture makers or wholesalers and sell at a markup. Add-on sales of finishing supplies, delivery fees and custom orders raise the average sale.

• Retail sales and friendly customer service
• Basic knowledge of wood types and finishing
• Inventory and supplier management

• Check your state's sales tax registration and your city or county business license rules
• General liability insurance, and check what your landlord requires in the lease
• Heavy freight and delivery damage, so inspect shipments and agree return terms with suppliers
• Storing and selling stains and solvents may have fire code rules, check with your local fire department
• Large showroom pieces tie up cash, so start with a focused range

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $20,000 to $80,000, depending on your lease, showroom size and how much stock you buy. Large showroom pieces tie up cash, so starting with a focused range may help.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $8,000 to $35,000, depending on your location, product range, pricing and finishing supplies sales. The estimate assumes roughly 35 or more hours a week.

Check your state's sales tax registration and your city or county business license rules. Also check landlord insurance requirements, supplier return terms for freight damage, and fire code rules for storing and selling stains and solvents with your local fire department.