anyone here in the furniture business??

[amar1978]

Hi All
I own and run currently several online businesses. Currently thinking of moving in to the furniture business, hand made from the finest cabinet makers. Done some research and definetly worth a go. The way im thinking of doing it is setting up my own factory abroad and importing it in to the uk via containers.

Any one in this field already?? or had any experience in this industry.

Thanks in advance

[vee]

The biggest problem in furniture is the logistics/delivery cost and damages in transit.
Look at MFI - they were very profitable at gross margin level but it all got frittered away providing the service and logistics to support the home delvery model.
I know you're on a smaller scale but delivery & storage are still the main things to consider.

[stamp]

Yes, and good luck if you leap.
The country is awash with imported furniture. Be it poor or mid range stuf. There is already a backlash against the Imported stuff. If you want to see more, go to the NEC next week. 10 + halls of imported stuff. If you look deep, it is the same tosh. It used to be just French, but now most comes from China.
IMHO there is only one place to find decent cabinet makers, the UK! And they need paying for their skills.
If I was your only guiding voice, I would say NOOOOOOOOO.
Invest somewhere else.....

[amar1978]

Thanks for the advice people.

Been a while since i posted this and alot has happend. Got my first container arriving this week and everything has been pre-sold. I believe i have very sound business model and definetly a market for me to have a decent return on my investment.

Amar