•   Types of items

Firstly, one must have a clear idea of what type of items one wants to trade in. Furnishing items can be classified in a number of ways, like material used, design, etc. When it comes to the material used, the furnishing items are chiefly classified into those made from wood, plastic, or metal. In terms of design, they can come in a variety of designs like minimalist, contemporary, modern, vintage, urban, rustic, etc.

•   Type and quality of material used

The type and quality of material used to make furnishing items must also be considered by traders. For example, not all wood is the same, and a trader must go for high-quality wood with water resistance and vermins. One must also look for furnishings made using material certified by quality accreditation authorities like ISO.

•   Design of the furnishings

The design of the furnishings refers to the non-functional aesthetic aspects of furnishings like colours, shapes, etc. The trader can survey their intended market to learn about the designs in demand and try to avail the same as such designs can help them get better margins.

•   Logistic challenges

Certain furnishing items may face logistic challenges as the material may be susceptible to humidity and pests (like termites). Similarly, furnishing items may take varying amounts of space for storage, and thus, one must be careful while managing inventory.

•   Finding suppliers

Traders in home furnishings will also do well to find suppliers who can avail them of furnishings at good prices, especially those who can also handle your supply-side logistics for you. It would be best if you also tried to foster relationships with such suppliers.

•   Distribution

As traders of furnishing products, you must also figure out the distribution of your furnishings. Not only must you figure out how to distribute the furnishings, but you also learn how to receive feedback, whether positive or negative, from your clients.

•   Seasonal trends

A surge is typically noticed in the demand for furnishing items around the Diwali season. The festival season is a market with people buying new furnishings for their homes. A trader in furnishings must be mindful of such seasonal trends.