In today’s economy, many people are turning to creative side hustles to supplement their income or even replace their full-time jobs.
One increasingly popular option is to make money by selling old furniture as a side hustle.It not only allows you to earn money but also taps into a growing market for unique, upcycled pieces.
So, whether you’re looking to make some extra cash or explore your creative side, furniture flipping can be a rewarding way to do it.
This guide will show you how to find old furniture, fix it up, and sell it for a profit. It’s a chance to turn something old into something valuable while learning new skills along the way.
Starting Your Furniture Flipping Journey
When you’re starting out with furniture flipping, focus on finding items that have minor wear and tear.
Look for pieces with light scratches or faded paint that won’t require extensive repairs. You might even discover furniture in good condition that just needs a thorough cleaning.
If you don’t have tools or materials yet, prioritize pieces that only need washing or light sanding and painting. These supplies are easy to find at hardware stores or you might already have them at home.
Pay attention to furniture made from solid wood as they tend to be more valuable and sell faster compared to pieces made from MDF or plastic.
MDF resembles wood but is less durable and harder to refinish, which can affect its resale value.
Where to Source Furniture for Selling?
Finding the right furniture to flip is key to starting a successful venture. Here are some of the best places to look for used furniture:
Goodwill and Thrift Stores
Goodwill and thrift stores are great places to find inexpensive furniture in good shape. They always have different items coming in, so you can often find something interesting.
These stores are perfect for buying furniture that you can fix up and resell for a profit. Furniture at Goodwill and thrift stores is usually inexpensive.
Prices can range from $5 to $100 depending on the type of furniture and its condition. The resale value of the refurbished furniture depends on the market demand, the quality of the finish, and current trends.
Reselling platforms include online marketplaces like eBay, Etsy, Facebook Marketplace, and local flea markets or consignment shops.
Garage Sales and Estate Sales
Garage sales and estate sales in your neighborhood are goldmines for cheap furniture. People selling at these sales often want to get rid of things fast, which means you can bargain for good deals.
Garage sales and estate sales are also excellent sources for finding inexpensive furniture to refurbish and resell.
The process and potential profits are similar to those with Goodwill and thrift stores.
Craigslist
Craigslist is a popular website where people list furniture for sale or even give it away for free. You can search for items by category or location, making it easy to find what you need.
It’s a good place to find deals because you can talk directly to the person selling the furniture and negotiate the price.
Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is a well-liked place to buy and sell things in your area. You can find all kinds of furniture listed there, from sofas to tables, and more.
It’s easy to search for items using keywords or price limits, so you can quickly find what you’re looking for. It’s a convenient way to shop locally for furniture.
OfferUp
OfferUp is a mobile app where you can find local listings for furniture and other items. It allows you to message sellers directly and discuss prices, which is handy for negotiating deals.
You can browse through different categories and locations to find the furniture you want. It’s a convenient platform for buying and selling locally without the need for face-to-face interactions until you’re ready to pick up your purchase.
Nextdoor and Local Facebook Groups
Nextdoor and local Facebook groups are community-based platforms where people in your neighborhood connect.
They’re great for finding furniture deals because neighbors often sell or give away items they no longer need.
You can find quality furniture at low prices or even for free, making it a convenient way to shop locally and support your community.
Flea Markets and Consignment Shops
Flea markets and consignment shops are excellent spots to uncover one-of-a-kind furniture pieces. You can often find vintage or specialty items that add character to any space.
These venues are ideal for bargain hunters because you can negotiate prices directly with sellers.
Whether you’re seeking a statement piece or something with historical charm, flea markets and consignment shops offer diverse options.
How to Refinish Furniture?
Refinishing furniture can transform old, worn-out pieces into stylish items ready for resale.
Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a beginner, follow these steps to achieve professional results:
Remove the Old Finish
To strip old finish from furniture, start by applying a paint stripper evenly across the surface.
Allow it to sit according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually 15-30 minutes, until the finish begins to bubble.
Use a scraper or steel wool to remove the softened finish, repeating if necessary until the wood is bare. Always work in a well-ventilated area and wear protective gear for safety.
Smooth and Prep the Surface
To achieve a smooth and even surface on your furniture, begin by sanding thoroughly with either an electric sander for larger areas or a sanding block for more detailed work.
Start with coarse grit sandpaper to remove imperfections, then move to finer grits for a polished finish.
This step prepares the wood for painting or staining, ensuring a professional and attractive result.
Apply Paint or Stain
When applying paint or stain to refinished furniture, select colors and finishes that enhance its appeal.
Ensure each coat is applied evenly and allowed to dry thoroughly before proceeding to the next coat.
This process builds up a durable and attractive finish that highlights the wood’s natural beauty or complements your chosen decor style.
Upgrade Hardware
Upgrade the appearance of your furniture by swapping out old or outdated hardware with modern alternatives such as sleek drawer pulls or stylish knobs.
This simple change can dramatically refresh the piece, giving it a contemporary look that appeals to potential buyers.
Choose hardware that complements the overall design and enhances its functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Apply Finishing Touches
Apply the finishing touches to your refinished furniture by sealing it with a finishing oil for a glossy, polished appearance.
Alternatively, opt for a polyurethane topcoat to enhance durability, ideal for furniture that will see frequent use.
These final steps not only protect your work but also give the piece a professional finish that enhances its appeal and longevity.
Gather Materials
Gather essential materials for refinishing furniture, such as sandpaper, paint stripper, brushes, and cleaning supplies.
Additionally, you’ll need finishing products like paint or stain, and protective coatings such as polyurethane.
These items can be easily found at local hardware stores or purchased online from retailers specializing in DIY and home improvement supplies.
Where To Resell Furniture?
When it comes to reselling furniture, maximizing visibility is key to securing sales. Start by listing on free platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, Nextdoor, and OfferUp.
These sites attract local buyers seeking bargains and unique pieces. Alternatively, consider eBay for broader reach or selling at flea markets for direct interaction with shoppers.
Local consignment shops and vintage stores offer options to showcase and sell your pieces in-store, paying you once they’re sold.
Tips For Flipping Furniture
When flipping furniture for sale, capturing high-quality photos is crucial to attracting potential buyers. Stage your pieces in well-lit areas of your home to showcase their best features.
Use natural light to accurately depict colors and finishes. Include a measuring tape or another item for scale in your photos, and provide detailed dimensions and descriptions in your listings to preemptively answer buyer queries.
Pricing slightly higher allows room for negotiation while starting with simpler pieces like dressers or tables helps streamline the flipping process and maximize profitability.
How Much Money Can You Make by Selling Old Furniture as a Side Hustle?
Flipping old furniture can be surprisingly lucrative as a side hustle. Let’s break down the potential earnings: typically, flippers aim for a gross profit of $100-200 per item after factoring in the purchase price and refurbishing costs.
For example, buying a dresser for $15 from Goodwill and spending $60 on supplies could lead to a selling price of $200 or more, yielding a profit of around $125.
With consistent effort, skilled flippers can sell 5-6 pieces weekly, potentially earning up to $1000 or more per week.
However, it’s important to note that this income isn’t passive; it requires time for sourcing, refurbishing, and marketing each piece.
By tracking your time and earnings per project, you can gauge your profitability and optimize your approach to maximize earnings.
Conclusion
Flipping old furniture presents a rewarding side hustle in today’s economy, blending creativity with profit.
Whether you’re starting small or aiming to replace full-time income, furniture flipping offers flexibility and potential.
From Goodwill finds to Craigslist bargains and refinishing techniques, you can learn to turn old pieces into profitable sales.
Tips on listing, staging, and pricing ensure your items stand out in competitive markets like Facebook Marketplace and local groups.
Though not passive, this hustle rewards effort with tangible returns. Track your progress, optimize strategies, and enjoy transforming overlooked furniture into sought-after treasures.