Have you ever considered flipping furniture for profit? It can be a great way to make extra money or become a full-time career. All it takes is some research, creativity, and patience.
Start by researching different furniture types and learning the pricing trends. Then you can seek out pieces cheaper than their market value and either refinish them or purchase them outright to re-sell.
You could also look into upholstery and furniture repair services as part of your business model. With a bit of flair, hard work, and dedication, flipping furniture can be an exciting and profitable endeavor!
What Is Flipping Furniture for Profit
The furniture flipping side hustle involves purchasing furniture for a lower price than its market value and reselling it at a higher price. It can be a great way to make money, with the potential of making it a full-time profession. With the proper research, creativity, and patience, you can find or refinish pieces at just the right price and resell them for a profit. Consider offering services such as upholstery or repair to increase your profits further. Entrepreneurs who flip furniture discover it is an exciting endeavor that can lead to big rewards with hard work and dedication!
Benefits of Flipping Furniture for Profit
There are several benefits that many entrepreneurs have realized that make flipping furniture profitable.
Low starting cost: The starting cost is relatively low – and all you need is solid wood furniture, painting and repair supplies, and some basic knowledge about the industry.
Limitless sources: There are limitless sources of furniture to flip and creative ways to customize these inexpensive furniture items – : thrift stores or antique stores, yard sales, estate sales, or online marketplaces.
Different types: You can also choose from different types of furniture, such as chairs, end tables, couches, dressers, and more.
Remote working: It’s a work-from-home job that you do on your schedule.
Good financial return: A furniture flipping side hustle can offer significant financial returns if done correctly.
Environment friendly: Furniture flippers say this side gig is also helpful to the environment, since you have saved these free or cheap used furniture items from adding them to the landfills.
Cost of Starting A Furniture Flipping Business
Starting any business will always need some monetary investment. You won’t need significant initial investment to flip furniture for profit. Some have even started with just a few hundred dollars.
Here are some of the costs to consider when launching this venture:
Space to work on projects – your garage or an empty room in your house. The important thing is the space, and it must be well-ventilated.
Transportation – big pieces like sofas and bookshelves need a pickup truck or SUV, which will cost you fuel to pick up or deliver your finished product.
Labor costs – if you’re employing others, factor in their wages.
How Much Potential Earning from Flipping Old Furniture
The amount you could earn flipping furniture depends on the time, effort, and resources you put into it. You will likely need to shell out some money for supplies and materials.
Once all expenses and factors are considered, you can look at potential profits from each project. The market value of your work will depend on how much time and energy you invest in making each item attractive to buyers. If done correctly and with attention to detail, you could be looking at making significant profit from furniture flipping projects.
Research and Preparation
Types of Furniture to Flip
There are many types of furniture to flip. Common choices include chairs, tables, couches, dressers, and entertainment centers. You could also look into flipping beds and mattresses, loveseats and sectionals, desks and office furniture, outdoor patio furniture, and more! Research current furniture trends in the market and look for solid wood furniture pieces that would be easy to flip for a hefty profit. Depending on individual preferences, it may also be wise to specialize in certain types of furniture, such as antique furniture, aka vintage or up-cycled pieces.
What Are the Most Profitable Pieces in Furniture Flipping
The most profitable pieces in furniture flipping can depend on the current market trends. Popular items that are timeless and classic, like solid wood furniture, antique tables, or chairs, have the potential to be more profitable. Items with an interesting story or backstory, and unique and handcrafted pieces will also bring a higher price tag.
Customers are also drawn to shabby chic solid wood furniture, often restored or upcycled with materials like paint or fabric. It’s essential to look for pieces with unique features that make them stand out to buyers — this could mean anything from attractive hardware fixtures to adding unexpected color accents.
Other popular pieces of antique furniture include mid-century modern decor and vintage light fixtures. To maximize profits, it is essential to thoroughly research the current market values for different types of furniture before investing. Consider adding unique touches to each piece you sell to differentiate it from others.
Be sure to research the value of each piece before investing time and money into it. This will help you better understand how much you can expect to earn on each flip.
What Items Are Not Profitable in Furniture Flipping
Most people are interested in something other than traditional china cabinets. Some items, like mattresses, are often difficult to advertise and may need to bring in more of a return on investment.
Homemade furniture may have sentimental value but can be difficult to flip unless you have the skills to make them look attractive to buyers.
Mass-produced pieces, like those found at big box stores, and low-quality or damaged pieces that will require more time and money to repair than the market value of the item should not interest you. Extremely modern or contemporary pieces can also be more difficult to resell, as there is often less demand for these types of furniture.
Be Careful Flipping Fabric-Covered Items
It’s challenging to flip a piece of upholstered furniture, and you can’t tell if the item is from an animal-free home or smoked. Be careful while turning the fabric. Inspect with a critical eye, then sanitize. They might have more problems than they are.
Understanding Prices and Market Trends
To understand prices and market trends in furniture flipping for profit, do your research before investing in any project. Start by researching popular furniture types and doing well in the market.
Pay attention to current design trends, which can help you decide what type of pieces will most likely fetch a good profit if done correctly.
Refinishing and Repairs
Refinishing and repairs are essential elements of furniture flipping. When you find a piece you are interested in flipping, inspect the piece and determine what needs to be done to turn it into a profitable sale.
This may involve cleaning, stripping away layers of paint or varnish, and more. Repairs such as fixing broken parts, drawers, or doors can make the piece attractive to buyers.
Once all these steps are taken care of, one can either refinish the item with a new color or keep it as is, depending on their preferences and customer demand.
To refinish wood furniture, you will need the following materials:
A can of wood stain
A paintbrush or sponge
Sander and a piece of sandpaper
A clean rag
Furniture polish (optional)
Preparing the pieces for refinishing
Start by vacuuming the furniture with an upholstery attachment to remove dust and dirt.
Use a damp cloth to wipe down any surfaces that need extra cleaning.
Use mild soap, such as dish soap or hand soap, on stained areas if necessary.
Dry all surfaces with a dry cloth before proceeding with refinishing.
Refinishing
Start by removing any dust, dirt, or grime from the wood furniture using a damp cloth.
Sand down the wood lightly with sandpaper to remove any existing finish and prepare the surface for refinishing.
Apply a thin layer of wood stain with either a paintbrush or sponge, making sure to cover all areas evenly. Let it dry thoroughly before proceeding.
Once the stain has dried, use a clean cloth to rub furniture polish into the wood, buffing until you achieve the desired shine and finish.
Apply one more thin coat of wood stain to seal in the furniture polish and protect your newly refinished wooden furniture piece.
How to Reupholster Furniture
Reupholstering furniture is a great way to add value and make furniture pieces more attractive to buyers. It involves stripping away the old fabric, foam, springs, and stuffing that make up furniture cushions and replacing it with new material of your choice. Here are some steps to keep in mind when reupholstering furniture:
Remove the furniture’s existing fabric, foam, springs, and stuffing.
Measure the furniture seat to determine how much new fabric you will need.
Purchase new fabric and foam of your choosing, enough to cover the furniture piece in its entirety.
Cut out a pattern for the furniture using the measurements you took earlier.
Attach the fabric to the furniture frame using a staple gun.
Add batting or foam to give furniture cushioning and padding.
Cut out pieces of new fabric for the furniture’s arms and back, attaching each piece with a staple gun.
For an interesting tweak, you can attach decorative trim to the furniture.
How to Price the Refinished /Repaired Furniture
When you sell furniture, pricing is a difficult task as there are numerous factors to consider. Here are some tips to keep in mind when setting prices for your work:
Consider the time and cost spent on the project – factor in materials, labor, etc.
Research similar items from other sellers to determine if you’re pricing too low or too high.
Ask friends or family members who have expertise in decorating and design for their opinion on pricing.
Set a reasonable profit margin while still offering competitive prices.
If possible, offer different price tiers of similar items to allow buyers flexibility when purchasing.
Take Good Photos and Style Your Flipped Furniture
You must take good photos to flip furniture. Stage the flips in an open, clear, and bright place with less clutter and distraction. Besides displaying a unique design, you can add “trendy” accents to each product, like designing a flipped table on macrame walls with candles, snake plants, and modern coffee books.
Where to Find Furniture to Flip
Furniture to flip can be found in various places. The most obvious source is antique stores, flea markets, yard sales, estate sales, and thrift shops.
Local classifieds or online market communities like the Facebook marketplace is a popular source for buying and selling furniture you have restored. Here you may find one-of-a-kind pieces that can be sold for extra cash after some restoration work has been done.
It’s also advantageous to scour online auctions, such as eBay and Craigslist, for interesting deals.
Don’t forget to keep an eye out for items available at garage sales or from the side of the road—these can often be a bargain!
Other sources of free or cheap used furniture for flipping.
Online marketplaces – LetGo is one, although not as popular as Facebook marketplace.
Thrift stores and consignment shops.
Garage sales and flea markets.
Sidewalks and curbs – the sides of roads for discarded furniture that could be salvaged and repurposed. These are where you can find so-called Curb Treasure.
Freecycle websites – users are allowed to give away unwanted items for free.
Buy Items for Flipping Only After You Have Done Your Research and Are Sure of Demand.
When furniture flipping, it’s important to do your research and ensure that there is a market for the furniture you are looking to restore. This can be done through online research of furniture trends and values or by visiting antique stores and furniture shops.
Be sure to take your time and shop around when looking for furniture pieces to flip – the more unique or rare an item is, the higher its potential value. It’s important to remember that furniture flipping requires a lot of hard work and dedication, so make sure to factor in your wages when pricing furniture for sale.
Strategies for Successful Flipping
Having a clear plan is key to successful furniture flipping. Before starting any project, it is important to consider the costs associated with repairs and how much time and energy will be needed for each piece of furniture.
Understanding what styles are popular in the current market can help you decide whether or not a piece is worth restoring and reselling.
A good strategy also involves being realistic about the risks and rewards associated with flipping furniture – while there can be great potential, one should also consider that some pieces may require more work than anticipated or not sell at all.
With the right approach, flipping furniture can be a rewarding and profitable endeavor!
Investing in the Right Pieces
Investing in the right pieces can be integral to making a profit from furniture flipping. While thrift stores, yard sales, estate sales, Facebook Marketplace, auctions, and classifieds offer potential bargains, it is important to do your research and inspect each piece for issues or imperfections that may affect its resale value.
Before investing time or money into a project, it is wise to have an understanding of the current trends within the market, as well as what makes certain types of furnishing appealing or desirable.
With this information, you can make more informed decisions about which pieces are worth restoring and will fetch higher prices when resold. By selecting your projects carefully, you can often make a healthy return on your investment!
When pricing your pieces, it is best to take into account the cost of any repairs or refurbishing, as well as the amount of time and effort that has been invested.
Research similar items that are currently on the market to set a price accordingly. With online listings and classifieds being so easily accessible, there is now an abundance of information available that you can use to help make sure your prices stay competitive.
If you find yourself discounting too much to secure more sales, this could end up costing you more than what you make from them in the long run!
Networking with Other Furniture Flippers
Networking with other members of the furniture flipping industry can be incredibly beneficial to your furniture flipping business. Sharing ideas and advice with others in the industry who have more experience can help you stay ahead of trends and learn what works (and what doesn’t!).
Networking often leads to potential partnerships or projects that could bring additional income and introduce new contacts, resources, or even collaborations that could be mutually beneficial.
By connecting with other like-minded entrepreneurs, you can quickly expand your knowledge base, allowing you to make more informed decisions about how best to run your unique business.
Where to Sell Repaired and Refinished Furniture
Refinished/used furniture can be sold in several different places, including
Online marketplaces – eBay, Craigslist, and Etsy, are examples.
Home decor shops.
Flea markets or garage sales.
Local vintage stores.
Community yard sales or seasonal markets.
Local art galleries or craft shows.
What Are the Common Mistakes in Furniture Flipping?
When it comes to furniture flipping, there are some common mistakes that you should be aware of. These tips can help ensure that you maximize your chance of earning extra cash.
Not prepping your piece – thoroughly prepare each piece before doing the restoration and refinishing. Flippers say it could be the biggest mistake to be made. Rushed prepping or skipping some steps will be revealed soon, like in chipping paint.
Covering imperfections with paint – fill in or sand imperfections, do NOT cover flaws with paint. Nor should you paint haphazardly.
Too much personalization – while tweaking some interesting additions to your refurbished piece could make it attractive, or choosing bold and bright colors, remember you are selling that item, not fixing it for yourself. Neutral colors will attract a more extensive “audience.”
Following current trends too much – don’t go overboard with trending your pieces. Trends come and go, so it would be better and more profitable for you to stick to classic designs or colors.
Underpricing – don’t underprice (or overprice) your pieces. Research is important here, too, to get the going prices of items similar to your piece.
How to Choose the Furniture to Flip
When it comes to furniture flipping, choosing the right furniture can be the difference between making a profit and not. It is important to consider pieces with an eye for potential resale value – look for furniture that has unique features or design elements that make it stand out from other furniture pieces.
It is also important to inspect furniture before purchasing because this will help you determine if the furniture is worth investing your time and money in. Inspecting furniture for any signs of damage or wear can help you identify pieces that require more work than expected, as well as estimate how much repairs or refinishing may cost.
In addition to assessing furniture for damage, it is important to inspect furniture before flipping to set a reasonable price when reselling the item.
Do your research – make sure you know what furniture pieces are currently in demand, as well as the price range.
Invest in quality furniture pieces – investing in solid wood furniture pieces that are well-made will help ensure their longevity, making them more desirable and profitable when flipped.
Refinish or repair furniture correctly – ensure you use high-quality materials and techniques while refinishing furniture to ensure a professional finish.
The next step is to market your furniture – set up an online store on a website or create social media accounts to showcase your pieces. Be sure to include high-quality photos of each furniture item alongside detailed descriptions that include dimensions, materials used, and other pertinent information.
When setting prices for furniture flipping, consider the current market rates and research the cost of materials that went into creating each furniture item – you can also factor in additional costs such as labor, transportation, and any other expenses related to the furniture flipping project.
Don’t forget to take advantage of promotional offers or discounts to make furniture flipping projects more attractive to buyers – consider offering furniture delivery services in your area, and be sure to include reviews from customers on your website or social media accounts.
Is There A Class I Can Take to Learn How to Flip Furniture Successfully for Profit
Yes, there is a range of furniture flipping classes and courses available that can help you learn the basics of furniture flipping for profit. These classes will cover topics such as furniture selection, restoration techniques, pricing strategies, furniture trends, and more.
Courses may be offered online or in person – depending on your location – so be sure to check for furniture flipping classes near you.
Furniture flipping tutorials are widely available online and can provide a great introduction to furniture flipping.
Furniture flipping can easily become profitable with research, preparation, and effective marketing strategies. You will soon see a steady income stream from furniture flipping projects as you hone in on what furniture pieces work best for you and your business. Good luck!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is furniture flipping profitable?
Furniture flipping is a DIY home-based activity that can bring you more than a bit of extra income. With reasonable startup investment, basic tools and supplies, and an eye for quality used or unwanted furniture, a few hours of work regularly can even turn your side hustle into a profit-making business.
How much does it cost to start flipping furniture?
Some pieces could cost you a few dollars or nothing – like curb treasure. Larger pieces would cost around $150 to flip unless you source these through sales and thrift shops.
What does it mean to flip furniture?
To flip furniture means finding or buying, cheaply, used, disposed of, furniture pieces, cleaning these up and restoring them to look like new, and reselling these at a higher price.
Is flipping furniture easy?
Flipping furniture is not easy. It takes time, effort, and knowledge to be successful in furniture flipping. Knowing the furniture market, being able to identify pieces that can be flipped for a profit, having the tools and skills to repair and refinish furniture items, as well as setting competitive prices are all important factors when it comes to furniture flipping.
What is the most profitable furniture to flip?
The most profitable furniture to flip depends on the current furniture trends in your area and what furniture pieces people are looking for. Popular items can include furniture pieces made from solid wood, such as tables, dressers, and buffets. Mid-Century Modern furniture is also popular due to its timeless appeal.
Can you make good money flipping furniture?
Yes, furniture flipping can be lucrative. With the right approach and knowledge, furniture flippers can often make a good profit from their projects. Do research and consultation to learn about repair costs and other investments you will need, popular or sellable items and styles, pricing, and other strategies to make this endeavor profitable and rewarding. Good luck!
The starting cost is relatively low, and all you need is solid wood furniture, painting and repair supplies, and some basic knowledge about the industry.
Limitless sources: There are limitless sources of furniture to flip and creative ways to customize these inexpensive furniture items – thrift stores or antique stores, yard sales, estate sales, or online marketplaces.
Different types of furniture: You can also choose from different types of furniture, such as chairs, end tables, couches, dressers, and more.
Remote working: It’s a work-from-home job that you do on your schedule.
Good financial return: A furniture flipping side hustle can offer significant financial returns if done correctly.
Environment friendly: Furniture flippers say this side gig is also helpful to the environment, since you have saved these items from adding them to the landfills.
8-figure Amazon seller and serial online entrepreneur since 2015. Research and practice various online business models, and apply his in-depth learnings to further expand and grow his businesses as well as help others to achieve greater successes. Ex-VP of a high tech VC in Vancouver and a Management Consultant with over a decade of experience in the industry. Master's Degree from HEC Paris.
