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Last updated: 2 May 2024
How to start a furniture assembly business
With flat packed furniture being easier to get into homes, it is hardly surprising that furniture assembly services are growing in demand. Knowing how to start a furniture assembly business could be the next step for you as a tradesperson.
Whether it's for a new home or sprucing up an interior, everyone buys new furniture at different points in their life. With customers wanting finished furniture without the hassle, knowing how to start a furniture assembly business could set you off on a different career path.
Furniture is an essential of every home. But putting it together can be a frustrating process that requires the help of someone with expertise. This is what makes furniture assembly such a profitable market for a start-up – there will always be demand for your services.
Unlike external trade jobs, assembling furniture is not dependent on the changing seasons and UK weather.
If you’re looking to develop your career as a tradesperson, keep reading to look at what you'll need to get in place. Make the most of an existing opportunity, and look at how to start using your furniture assembly services today.
Do you need a furniture assembly course?
While experience is a valuable thing to have when starting a business, credentials are equally important.
If you’re already working in a trade and looking to branch out on your own, these qualifications could be useful to show customers you’re fully trained:
NVQ Level 2 or 3 in furniture making and installation
Apprenticeship in furniture making
Carpentry apprenticeship
Joinery apprenticeship
For anyone considering a change of career path, you can upskill as a tradesperson, or alternatively branch out into niche markets that have a specific audience.
While you may not need to go on a dedicated furniture assembly course to put flat packed goods together, it helps to have some training before starting a new business.
How can I learn a new trade?
What are the advantages of learning a new trade? Trade jobs are highly skilled and always in demand by customers. That means that there is less likely to be a shortage of jobs than perhaps in other areas of work. Getting on board with a new trade is something to consider regardless of where you are
Extra credentials and accreditations
Building on your credentials, it can also be very useful to hold memberships of various trade associations. To show your commitment to high standards across the industry.
Not only are they great for networking opportunities, it also shows customers that your services are professionally trusted. For a furniture assembly business, the bodies to consider joining are:
There are other trade associations that you may also be familiar with, although these are aimed more at the manufacturers of furniture, rather than installers. The British Furniture Manufacturers (BFM) and the British Furniture Confederation (BFC) are designed to promote the wider furniture sector.
Skills you'll need as a tradesperson
To provide a high-quality furniture assembly service and run your own business, you’ll need a range of skills. Especially if you don't just want to survive as a new business, but actively thrive.
Skills you will likely need as a business owner and tradesperson:
Attention to detail
Numeracy skills
Practical thinking
Ability to work independently
Problem-solving skills
Interpersonal skills
High standard of customer service
Understanding of health and safety
Management skills
Of course, the ability to follow instructions and use tools is a given when you're putting furniture together for people. But doing so in a timely and friendly manner can really make all of the difference.
Having the right skills will lead to a better customer experience, and that in turn will lead to better reviews, more referrals, and likely more repeat business as well.
Find furniture assembly jobs for your new business
People are searching Checkatrade for services just like yours
What are the tools you'll need to assemble furniture?
Make sure you invest in all the essential tools before offering your services. Having the right equipment means you can complete your work efficiently and to the highest standard.
Approaching the job fully prepared helps make you appear more professional to the client, which can really help in gaining recommendations and referrals.
Here are some of the tools you’ll need for furniture assembly services:
Drills
Screwdrivers
Spirit level
Hammers
Rubber mallet
Saws
Clamps
Pencil
Bear in mind you’ll need to transport your equipment between jobs, so owning a van and a valid driving licence is a must.
Some people may choose to offer furniture assembly alongside other skills, such as being a carpenter or handyperson.
Setting up your furniture assembly business
Once you’ve got the necessary skills to provide furniture assembly services, you're either going to want new employment, or start the process of creating your own business.
You need these in place:
Credentials
Skills
Equipment and Tools
Business idea
If you have these in place and want to start your own furniture assembly business, it is time to begin. This will require some thought and planning, but there are 4 key areas to consider.
Setting up legally
First of all, you’ll need to legally register your business. As part of this process, you must decide on a structure (such as sole trader, partnership or limited company). It will depend on the responsibilities you want to take on, but you need to be aware of the regulations for tradespeople.
Planning for success
Every successful business needs a thorough plan in place. By and large it will need to cover:
Areas of expertise or services
Target market (your niche)
Growth plans
Finances (estimated incomings and outgoings)
Marketing strategy
For example, if you’re highly experienced with office furniture, you could highlight this as your speciality. From here, you’ll want to target either home office workers or corporate businesses that have a lot of office space for employees. Selecting a relevant audience guarantees more success in selling your service.
Learn how to sell your services as a new trade business
When you've just set out as a new business, it pays to know how to sell your services. "It takes a certain type of person to work in sales," is something you've probably heard or even said before. You, however, as the founder of your company, have no choice but to be in your sales team of 1. (This
Managing your books
You’ll have to keep track of your revenue and expenditure to make sure your business remains profitable. In the beginning, start-up costs might make this difficult, so it may be best to take out a business loan to cover these.
Along with cash flow, it's important to manage relevant taxes and keep these well documented. Being financially organised will make the day-to-day running of your business much easier.
Reaching out to customers
Marketing is vital to increasing your customer base, and there are various ways to do so. Consider using some of these techniques to promote your furniture assembly services:
Advertising in local newspapers
Business cards
Posters
Van wraps and branding
Social media
Website
There’s no better way to impress your audience than showcasing your best work. So choosing to show what you've done in the past can really engage potential customers. Especially if your work is transformative, such as with a completed bookcase, cupboard or bed.
Signing up your business to Checkatrade is also a great way to enhance your online presence. It makes your service readily available to millions of potential customers every month – perfect for maximising work opportunities.
How much could you earn?
Across the UK, the average annual salary for a furniture assembler varies greatly. Estimates put yearly earnings between £25,000 and £38,000 dependant on location and experience levels. Becoming self-employed in the industry gives you the potential to make even more.
As long as you find your niche and market your business well, you should be able to grow a large customer base for steady revenue.
For example, you could specialise in affixing cushioning materials to sofas and chairs, or constructing frames for beds. You could also specialise in providing a flat packed furniture assembly service, focussing on making the work easier for homeowners where possible.
Don't forget that with more work coming in, you can grow your business and earn more in the long run. Getting on board with Checkatrade could put you in touch with people that are already searching for services just like yours.
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Content disclaimer: This content has been created for general information purposes and should not be taken as formal advice. Read our full disclaimer here.
