Furniture flipping is a creative, profitable side hustle. Purchase cheap, skillfully transform, and sell high. This beginner's guide to flipping furniture for profit covers discovering, repairing, and selling goods. Furniture flipping is great since novices may start with little money. This tutorial includes beginner ideas on finding free or cheap furniture and picking readily flippable things. This book teaches novices how to leverage freebies, essential equipment, and lucrative furniture kinds to start a furniture-flipping company. In this article we explore How To Start A Flipping Furniture Side Hustles.
What Is Flipping Furniture?
When you flip furniture, you sell it for more than what you bought it for and make money from the difference. You buy low and sell high, just like when you flip other things. In real estate selling, you might buy a house for $100,000, fix it for $20,000, and then sell it for $150,000, making $30,000 (before fees). Flipping furniture works the same way. For instance, you could buy a couch for $50, fix it for $20, and then sell it for $150, making $80. It's a good idea to start this side business because it will last. Furniture sales are a growing business. For many pieces of furniture, it also has good earning margins. You don't have to be a pro to learn how to fix things on furniture. There are some repairs that you can do yourself quickly and easily by watching videos on YouTube. Other pieces of furniture won't need any repairs at all. You might also find accessible selling opportunities that don't need any repairs or renovations. For example, you could buy a brand-new table and sell it immediately for a profit.
How Does Flipping Furniture Side Hustles?
This is the place where you can buy furniture. Getting free furniture or buying furniture might be part of it. You can find furniture in several places, such as Craigslist, OfferUp, and other local buy-and-sell websites. After that, you'll fix the furniture if it needs it. Some pieces of furniture will need to be fixed, but not all of it will. This could mean improving the stitching, coloring tables, painting desks, adding knobs to drawers and other fittings, etc. Last, you'll sell the furniture and make money by “flipping” it. Most of the time, you can sell furniture from where you got it. In this case, you may have bought a used kitchen table on Facebook Marketplace. Once it's fixed, you could sell it again on Facebook Marketplace.
Beginner's Guide To Flipping Furniture
Here are some ideas for people who are just starting to flipping furniture:
- Choose flippable things: If you're new to flipping, start with things that are easy to flip and only need a little TLC. When it comes to wood tables, like desks, armoires, and end tables, they usually need a stain and new fixings to be ready to sell. For example, these are easier to fix than chairs that might need carpet repair.
- Choose portable goods: Choose things that are easy to move around. You may be working alone at first, so you'll probably have to pick up and bring the furniture you buy yourself. In this case, starting with more minor, less bulky things might be best. You don't need to follow this tip when working with someone or a group.
- Find cheap/free items: If you're new to flipping furniture, you may need more money. Look for free or inexpensive furniture to get the most for your money.
How Do I Start Flipping Furniture For Profit?
Finding old furniture, researching how to fix it, buying the right tools and materials, and doing the work are the first things you'll need to do. The first few pieces of furniture you flip might need to be better to sell, but they make great gifts for family and friends. It takes work to get good at anything. You can start watching for places to sell your furniture once you already know how to flip it.
17 Tips To Start A Successful Business Flipping Furniture:
1. Getting To Know How To Use Simple Power Tools
Your furniture-flipping business will improve if you learn to use simple tools and equipment. This means learning to use tools like hammers, wrenches, pliers, power drills, and more and practicing.
2. Use Freebies To Save Expenditures
You can get goods for free; this can help you get things for less money. For example, you might find people selling tools, equipment, or parts to fix furniture at a yard sale or on Facebook Marketplace. Keep an eye out for these changes.
3. Find Easy Flips
Take the simple flips! These are fantastic chances for all people who flip furniture, especially for people who are just starting. A simple way to convert furniture would be to find a brand-new item that someone is moving and needs to get rid of. These chances might only come up sometimes, but when they do, seize them!
4. Recall Garbage Pickup Days
People who want to remove furniture put it out on trash days, so keep that in mind. If you're going to find free furniture to sell, you could walk around your neighborhood or drive around private areas on trash days. On trash day, I've seen refrigerators, dining tables and chairs, backyard eating sets, and other things put out on the curb in my area.
5. Keep Storage In Mind
The storage room is one of the most crucial considerations when changing furniture. It's great to find used furniture you can sell, but only if you have a place to store it. You can keep things anywhere:
- Your garage,
- A shed in your backyard,
- A storage room you rent.
Make sure you know how much space you have before putting money into your next flip, no matter your route.
6. Maintain A Stock Of Essential Tools
It would help if you had essential tools, such as power, for cleaning, fixing, and updating furniture. You can use simple tools around the house, like a hammer, wrench, and other tools. It's a good idea to buy tools if you haven't already. Here are some tools that you should always have on hand:
- Hammer
- Screws
- Nails
- A power drill
- Things for painting (paintbrush and paint)
- Sandpaper and wood stain
7. Get Furniture From Numerous Locations
Join more than one site to buy and sell furniture. You can find chairs online at the following places:
8. Observe Insects
There may be bugs living in your furniture right now. People who sell furniture only sometimes know that bugs can nest in it, especially cloth furniture like chairs, sofas, etc. If you are a new changer, stay away from fabric furniture first to avoid getting bugs. Or, if not, checking furniture for bugs is an excellent habit to get into when you buy new things.
9. Get Free Furniture!
You can find free chairs if you know where to look. Any of the above sites, like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, can help you find cheap furniture.
10. Avoid Missing Freebies.
You can find free stuff at yard sales, trade websites, advertising websites, and other places. The materials include
- Drawer handles,
- Fixtures,
- Upholstery and fabric
11. Diy Photography Saves Money.
Taking pictures of the furniture is part of the process when it's time to sell it. You only need to pay a little for a camera if you can take good pictures yourself. It's possible to get better at taking pictures for free. For example, you can sign up for a Skillshare account or look at free classes on Udemy and YouTube.
12. Bright, Clear Photographs
Here are some helpful tips to help you take pictures that are bright and clear:
- Photos should be taken in natural light if you can.
- Make sure the image is evident when you take it.
- Photos should not be fuzzy or blurry; they should be clear.
13. Quickly Answer Buyer/Seller Messages.
As a furniture flipper, you need to be able to talk to people. If interested, check out our long list of furniture business names. You could miss out on a great deal on furniture for sale or buy if you don't get back to people quickly. Keep an eye on your email and consider setting up tips or notifications to help you respond quickly.
14. Make Connections With Other Furniture Flippers.
Networking with other people in the same field can be very helpful. Networking gives you the chance to:
- Get in touch with people in your field
- Find out from experienced flippers
- Question things
- Give your advice
- Make your name known and establish your brand.
15. Monitor Popular Furniture Styles.
Keep an eye out for popular, in-demand furniture currently in style. This could be a chance to make more money and sell more of an item that is popular now.
16. Write Detailed Product Descriptions.
Think about what the buyer wants and write detailed descriptions of your things.
- Tell the truth about the fixes you made and the problems that still need to be fixed, like paint chips or missing parts.
- Tell them as much as you can about the furniture, like how old it is, what kind of shape it's in, etc.
When selling furniture, be honest (i.e., take pictures of any dents, scratches, or other flaws). Being open and honest is essential. Find furniture pieces that need fixing or have problems. When a buyer asks a question, be honest.
17. Slight Margins Should Be Sufficient For You.
Sometimes, having a small profit margin is just part of doing business. Don't let this get you down. Some pieces of furniture can be bought and sold quickly by flipping them. In some cases, the gaps can be more significant.
What Are The Most Profitable Types Of Furniture?
You can flip almost any piece of furniture, but some are more valuable than others. From our own experience, these are the types of furniture that make the most money when you buy them to flip:
1. Nightstands
Nightstands are small, simple, and often forgotten. There are many places to get them cheap, like yard sales and thrift stores. With some love, you can make them into beautiful furniture for which people will pay a lot of money.
2. Small Tables: End Tables, Side Tables, Etc.
People always want small tables like end tables and side tables. These things are flexible and can be used in many places. Find designs or styles that are used sparingly to stand out and ensure the new finish shows off their beauty. If you can find a set of two similar bedside tables in good shape, buy them. That's what partners want in the main bedroom. There is always more worth in a pair of bedroom tables than in two different ones.
3. Dressers
A bedroom needs a desk, and a nice refinished one can sell for a lot of money. Find dressers that have interesting shapes or designs, and make sure you repair them in a way that shows off their beauty. Dressers are little pieces of furniture that are easy to move around. People like to flip these pieces.
4. Small Stools
Another type of furniture that is easy to forget but useful is footstools and small stools. They're small and easy to carry, and you can make something unique and exciting out of them with imagination.
5. Hutches And Buffets
While buffets and hutches are more significant pieces of furniture, if you do it right, they can be very successful. They were usually very cheap, and you can take the bottom piece off and put it on top of another piece of furniture to make two new ones. We did that more than once, and the item sold right away each time. Find ones with unique patterns or styles, and make sure the new finish shows off their beauty.
6. Desks
People always need desks, especially now that more and more people work from home. Find ones with unique patterns or styles, and make sure the new finish shows off their beauty. You could also buy an old sewing machine table and turn it into a cute little desk like the pink one below.
7. Storage Chests
Storage boxes can be handy if you find the right one. Find ones with unique patterns or styles, and make sure the new finish shows off their beauty. You can utilize them as coffee tables, end tables, or the thing they were made for, which is storage!
8. Couches
It can be harder to sell a couch, but you can make a lot of money if you know what you're doing. When you buy chairs, look for ones with interesting patterns or styles. Then, ensure you repair them in a way that shows off their beauty. You may have to spend more on these pieces because they need more work than more miniature pieces of furniture.
9. Outdoor Furniture
Having chairs outside can be a good idea, especially in the summer. Pick out pieces made of solid materials like metal or wood and have simple designs that can be used in various outdoor areas.
Famous Furniture Styles To Resell For Profit
1. Mid-century Modern Furniture
People have loved modern furniture for many years and will continue to do so. In some ways, it's still trendy in contemporary home design. This style from the 1950s and 1960s is known for its clean lines, simple forms, and focus on being helpful. You can find items from this time in thrift stores, estate sales, and the internet. Find pieces with simple shapes and finishes made from natural wood.
2. Antique Or Vintage Furniture
If you want to buy something special, look at vintage or old furniture. These pieces may be in demand in your area. Look for pieces with intricate details, good handiwork, high-quality materials, and unique qualities that make them stand out. But keep an eye out for the catch!
3. Farmhouse Or Rustic Furniture
Christina has always worn this style from the beginning. In the past few years, rustic and farmhouse-style furniture has become more popular among buyers who want to make their place feel more like home. This style is best suited to pieces made from old wood, with worn-down finishes and simple patterns.
4. Design From Scandinavia
Scandinavian design is known for having a simple look with straight lines and making things that work. It would help to flip pieces in this style because they are often well-made and highly demanded. Look for pieces that are made to be helpful and have light wood finishes and simple shapes.
5. Industrial-style Furniture
In the past few years, it has become increasingly popular among people who want to give their space a modern, edgy look. Search for simple, clean-lined pieces made from metal, wood, and other industrial materials.
How Much Do I Need To Start Flipping Furniture?
Price is the most important thing when trying to sell furniture for money. When you buy furniture, you want a good deal to sell it for more money and make a profit. It would help if you started small. When you first begin, spend only a little money on furniture. Be looking for cheap items that could still be used, like coffee and side tables. You can always make the piece better to make it worth more. If they are in good shape, curbside pickups are lovely for people just starting. When buying furniture, Furniture Flippa says you should spend at most 25% of what you think it will sell for. If you want to sell something for $200, you should spend at most $50 on it.
Remember to include the cost of materials and shipping the finished items in your budget. The most important thing is to be smart about how much you spend. You should only spend a little on a piece of furniture that might sell for a lot of money, but you also should be bold and bold in buying something that might sell many copies. Over time, you'll learn how to make decisions that make you money.
Which Furniture Should You Avoid?
Some pieces of furniture cost you money if you flip them. We suggest that you stay away from the following types of furniture:
Beyond Repair
If you can't fix a piece of furniture, it's not worth the money. This includes furniture that is broken or badly ruined. It is essential to look at the general state of the furniture before buying it, even if only a few minor fixes can be made. It's better to move on to the next piece if it can't be fixed.
1.Moldy Furniture
Not only does moldy furniture look bad, but it can also be bad for your health. Mold can make breathing hard and cause other health issues, so stay away from furniture with mold. If you find moldy furniture, it is best to get rid of it correctly and not try to fix it.
2.Excessive Painting
If the furniture you want has more than one coat of paint, move on to the next one. It will take a lot of work to eliminate all that paint, so if you are starting,
3.Poorly Smelled Furniture
As with moldy furniture, you should avoid furniture that smells bad. The furniture in this group smells like smoke, pet pee, or mildew. Cleaning and deodorizing can eliminate some smells, but it's only sometimes worth the money. For those new to selling furniture, we suggest avoiding pieces that smell bad.
4.Particle Board
We suggest you buy sturdy wood furniture because it will be worth more after you fix it. Natural wood looks better than particleboard or anything made in a factory when painted or treated. Often, particle board furniture is completed quickly and only lasts for a short time. It's made of wood chips that have been pressed together, so it's easy to break, soak up water, rot, or twist. Some particle board furniture can be saved with new paint or fixings, but avoiding it altogether is better. So be wary of very light pieces or areas that are “bubbling,” which means water has damaged them. These are all signs of particle board.
Is Flipping Furniture A Good Side Hustle?
Moving furniture around for cash is an excellent way to make extra cash. You can use your imagination and skills to create something new and beautiful out of old and used things. You can turn your hobby of fixing old furniture into a business that makes money with some time and work. Let's start by talking about the pros of flipping furniture. Because you set your hours, it's an excellent choice for people who want a casual job that doesn't require a strict 9-to-5 routine.
There is no right or wrong time to work on your projects and You can do it on the weekends or late at night. Another great thing about selling furniture is making money from it. You are finding cheap or even free things that you can fix up for a small amount of money and then sell for a lot more than you paid. If you have a good eye for design and know how to sell your products, this easy method can make you a lot of money.
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Advantages Of Flipping Furniture For Profit
1. Flexibility
One great thing about flipping furniture as a side job is that it gives you much freedom. You decide when to work on your projects and can do it whenever it works for you. Furniture flipping is a great way to make extra money while taking care of your kids, or it can be done by people who already have full-time jobs and need a side job with free hours.
2. Reasonably Low Start-up Costs
Flipping furniture can be a cheap way to make money because you don't have to spend much at first. Gather used or useless furniture from your own home, yard sales, thrift stores, or internet markets to begin. You can turn these things into nice, valuable things that you can sell for money if you are creative and have essential tools like paint, brushes, and sanding.
You can use your money to buy more furniture, tools, and materials as your business grows.
3. A Creative Space
Furniture flipping is a way to make money and express creativity. Trying out different drawing styles, colors, and designs is a great way to show off your artistic skills. Every piece of furniture you work on allows you to be creative, and the process can be fun and satisfying. Your customers will be happy with the furniture you fix, bringing life to their homes and making you even more comfortable.
The Disadvantages Of Flipping Furniture
1. Spending Time And Energy
Flipping furniture takes time and hard work. It would help if you were ready to spend a lot of time finding, fixing, and selling each piece of furniture. It can be fun and rewarding but takes a lot of work. Ensuring everything is in great shape can take a lot of work, like cleaning, sanding, painting, and fixing.
2. Space And Storage
When you flip furniture, you need the proper storage and work areas, which could be a problem if your home is small. You should have a space for this, like a garage or workshop, to store and work on furniture. There should also be enough room to store finished items waiting to be sold. To determine if flipping furniture is a good side job for you, consider how your current living space is set up and how big it is.
3. The Competition
There is competition when you flip furniture, just like in any other business. Since websites and TV shows that show the “upcycling movement” are very famous, more people may want to try this as a side job. It might be harder to find cheap, good pieces to fix up and sell for a profit now that there is more competition. Also, if there are more sellers in the market, it might take longer to sell your finished goods, or you might have to try to get potential buyers to agree to lower prices. Focus on quality and unique ideas in your work to make it stand out from others in the same field.
Does Selling Furniture Make You Money?
People who invest time, effort, and imagination can make money by flipping furniture. People who buy and sell used furniture can make a lot of money by finding free, cheap, or forgotten items, fixing them, and selling them for more money. To make money flipping furniture, keep up with trends and know what your customers want.
You need to find a way to paint a piece of old, broken furniture and expect to make a lot of money from it. You need to pay close attention and always think about the people who might buy from you. Flipping furniture is a satisfying way to turn your love of fixing things into a profitable business. It does take hard work, skill, and a few essential tools.
FAQs
Do I Need To Be An Expert In Furniture Repair To Start Flipping Furniture?
You don't require expertise. Online resources may teach many fixes, and certain items may not need repairing.
Where Can I Find Furniture To Flip?
Furniture is available on craigslist, offerup, facebook marketplace, & local buy-and-sell sites. Also, look for free or cheap products.
What Types Of Furniture Are Ideal For Beginners To Flip?
Items that are simple to flip and fix are best for beginners. Good possibilities include wood tables, desktops, armoires, and end tables.
How Much Money Do I Need To Start Flipping Furniture?
We suggest starting small. Spend no more than 25% of the projected selling price. Start with inexpensive or free products to cut expenditures.
What Tools Do I Need For Furniture Flipping?
Hammers, screws, nails, power drills, paintbrushes, paint, sandpaper, and wood stain are essential. Using basic power tools is also helpful.
How Do I Determine The Selling Price Of Flipped Furniture?
Consider furnishings, repair, and time costs. Find comparable goods online to compare pricing. Sell for enough to pay expenses and make a profit.
Are There Specific Types Of Furniture That Are More Profitable To Flip?
Nightstands, tiny tables, dressers, small stools, cabinets, desktops, storage chests, sofas, and outdoor furniture may be lucrative to flip.
Is Furniture Flipping A Viable Side Hustle?
Furniture flipping may be a successful side gig with flexible hours and inexpensive start-up expenses. It takes time, effort, ingenuity, and adaptability to market changes and competition.
Conclusion
Flipping furniture is a lucrative side career that offers freedom, creativity, and the possibility for high profits. Despite the time and effort required, the tutorial highlights the minimal start-up expenses, making it accessible to novices. This side job takes a creative eye, a flair for finding flippable things, and a devotion to improving their aesthetics. Successful furniture flippers concentrate on quality, follow popular trends, and network with other flippers despite increased competition. Flipping furniture may be financially and artistically rewarding for people who love to renovate.
