Unfinished Furniture Store

It may not seem the best business in the world, but there is more potential in opening an unfinished furniture store than you might think. Unfinished furniture is nowadays trendier than ever, and there are at least two good reasons for this: first of all, instead of particleboard furniture, people like to buy things that are excellent quality, 100% natural and environmentally friendly. And then there is the economic downturn we experience: this makes people think about their spending, and unfinished furniture is always cheaper than furniture bought from large furniture outlets, while their quality is often better.

The owner of such a store can easily know who their target is: there are those who have a fixed budget, and wanting to save up to 50% by making the finishes themselves. The other customers are those who are not happy with what they can buy from general stores, and would like to add their special touch to the furniture. By knowing this, efforts to promote your unfinished furniture store can be focused on one or both of these groups.

Stocks can be created by buying unfinished furniture on a wholesale basis from large manufacturers or local craftsmen. The selection can include everything from chairs to cabinets, and in addition to displaying the furniture, you can consider providing a workspace for those who want to finish their furniture, but they don't have the space and tools to do it. There is the possibility to generate additional income by asking your customers who use the workshop to pay a small hourly rate. Also there is good chance that these customers will buy from your store the finishing products, such as stains, paints or accessories, such as handles.

You may consider running a small workshop at your unfinished furniture store, where craftsmen will make custom furniture for those who like a particular piece, but want a different size. This workshop can be converted in the afternoons into a unique way of learning crafts for kids and teenagers. Having a website with a nice picture gallery and the possibility to buy online will also generate income. As your store grows, you may consider hiring a professional decorator, who can give advice for those who are on the way to refurbish their homes but are puzzled by the wide selection of styles and finishes.

Besides the revenues this kind of business generates, you can have the satisfaction of knowing that you are selling high-quality, affordable, environmentally friendly furniture and finishing products. Wood is a natural, renewable resource completely free of the problems other, man-made materials pose to the environment. Families will save money buying your products, and have a special bond to their furniture as it is exactly what they created. Kids and teenagers spending their time in your workshop will feel the pride of craftsmanship, and last but not at least your unfinished furniture store will give work to local craftsmen, who will inherit their knowledge about wood to future generations.