Insurance Coverage For a Furniture Store
If you are starting a furniture store, there are several things you need to consider before you begin. These expenses include the cost of opening the store, the requirements for obtaining a certificate of occupancy (CO), and the types of business insurance that apply to furniture stores. Listed below are some of the most common insurance coverage types for a furniture store.
Costs of starting a furniture store
If you are thinking of starting your own furniture store, it is important to budget your business expenses. The biggest expenses are the store front and inventory. You will need to rent a store with a minimum of 50,000 square feet, and you may also need to rent a warehouse. You will also need to pay for employee salaries. When it comes to staffing your store, you should consider how many people you’ll need, and whether you’ll be managing the business yourself or hiring a manager.
In order to minimize liability, it’s important to establish a legal business entity. You can do this on your own, or hire a business agent to do it for you. Using a registered agent will help you minimize the time and effort needed to register your business with the state and federal governments.
Starting a furniture store can be very lucrative. It is one of the few businesses that provide high profits, despite being expensive. A large majority of furniture stores charge a higher price than they purchased them for wholesale. In fact, most furniture stores mark up their prices by up to 80%. You can expect to make $150,000 to $300,000 each year.
Requirements for obtaining a CO
The first step to opening a furniture store is to acquire a Certificate of Occupancy (CO). This certificate confirms that a building meets all state and local regulations and follows building codes. Additionally, a CO allows you to operate your business without paying sales tax on items you resell. You can get help with obtaining a CO from your state’s business association.
The CO also specifies the class of the property. It prevents inappropriate uses and confirms that the property is suitable for occupation. It also serves as proof of compliance with zoning and building codes. You must keep your CO current. Once you have an active CO, you can start making sales.
A CO can be obtained through your local government office or through a business license service. You must also register for federal and state taxes. Your business structure can affect the tax calculations. Generally, you will be able to benefit from the same tax benefits as a small corporation if you set up an LLC. To open a bank account for your business, you must obtain an EIN, which is an employer identification number. You can get this number by mail or fax.
Most common types of business insurance for a furniture store
Furniture stores face a number of risks and liabilities, including injuries and property damage. The risks that can be covered under business property insurance include vandalism, fire, and theft. Business income insurance can also protect your business from loss of income during a disaster. In addition, workers’ compensation insurance is required in most states and can cover expenses related to employee injury and illness, as well as paid time off.
Because your inventory serves as the backbone of your business, it’s important to protect it against loss or damage. Losing a significant portion of your inventory could be devastating for your business. However, commercial property insurance can help you replace the items that are damaged or destroyed. While commercial property insurance is essential for a furniture store, you may need additional coverage for additional risks.
Workers’ compensation insurance protects your business in case employees get sick and file lawsuits. This insurance also covers the cost of medical expenses that result from work-related illnesses. This type of policy can be purchased from any commercial insurance company. The insurance premium for this type of policy will depend on the number of employees you have.
Requirements for obtaining a CO for a furniture store
To operate a furniture store, it is necessary to have a Certificate of Occupancy (CO). This document is usually issued by a city or county, and it allows the furniture store to operate within a certain building, as long as it meets local requirements. This certificate will help your business meet legal requirements for operating and selling furniture, including paying sales tax.
When looking to lease space for a furniture store, the first step is to find a landlord that has a valid CO. Check with local government agencies to see if the landlord has this document. If you are renting an existing property, you should check with the landlord to make sure they have this document, as well.
Another step in opening a furniture store is forming a legal business entity, such as an LLC. This legal entity protects you from personal liability if the furniture store fails. You can either do this on your own or hire a business license service, which can help you. Once you’ve formed your LLC, you must elect a registered agent, which is free, and then register for state and federal taxes.