Are you looking for a profitable side hustle or even a full-time business opportunity? Mastering the art of selling used furniture could be your golden ticket to a profitable business venture. Plus, you get the satisfaction of reviving old furniture pieces and adding more chapters to their stories.
In this guide, we will share valuable insights and tips on how to source, refurbish, and market used furniture for profit. You can turn old furniture into a lucrative business with the right furniture choices, smart sourcing strategies, and effective marketing. Let's begin.
There is a growing market for used furniture
In recent years, the market for used furniture has seen a significant surge. Per OfferUp's report, the used furniture and home goods market is projected to reach $23.6 billion by 2025, making it a lucrative reselling business idea. This growth can be attributed to several factors.
Firstly, there has been a shift in consumer behavior, with more and more people opting for sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives. Gen Z is driving the trend towards sustainability and eco-friendly choices. In fact, 34% of this generation has purchased furniture or home goods from resale marketplaces.
Secondly, the worldwide pandemic and higher interest rates have resulted in an economic decline, causing individuals to seek ways to cut expenses. According to reports, 68.7% of Americans are opting for second-hand home décor options to save money, making it the primary reason for the growing trend of buying used items.
Lastly, 'upcycling' or repurposing old furniture has gained popularity, especially among the younger generation. This involves taking an old piece of furniture and transforming it into something new and unique, adding a personal touch to one's home decor.
These factors combined have contributed to the growing market for used furniture, making it an excellent business opportunity for those looking to enter this space.
Learn more about the reselling business model →
Choosing the right furniture to sell
Selecting the right furniture for your target market is critical to maximizing profits. You will need to be familiar with the styles of different periods and recognize the most common design pieces. From materials, solid wood furniture will hold its value and last from one generation to the next with good care. In-demand furniture pieces are in good condition, represent a particular period, or are made by a particular designer or manufacturer.
When buying furniture to resell, avoid deeply gouged items, parts missing, or cracked or broken beyond easy repair. Instead, opt for second-hand pieces crafted from hardwoods like oak, ash, walnut, teak, maple, or mahogany.
Types of furniture
Consider selling a variety of furniture types, including:
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Vintage furniture: at least 20 years old, known for superior quality and craftsmanship
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Antique furniture: typically over 100 years old, highly valued for its historical significance
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Old furniture: a general term for pre-owned pieces that may not fit into the vintage or antique categories
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Modern furniture: contemporary designs, often made from materials like wood, plastic, metal, and upholstery
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Office furniture: This includes a wide range of items such as desks, chairs, cabinets, and conference tables used in workspaces. Office furniture is usually designed with functionality and comfort in mind, as it is used for prolonged periods.
By offering diverse furniture options, you can attract a wider customer base and cater to different tastes and preferences.
Assessing condition and value
Before making a purchase, evaluate the condition and value of the furniture piece by:
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Comparing it to similar items' current market prices
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Looking for damages, wear and tear, or signs of aging
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Factors like brand, age, and rarity can influence the value of the furniture.
For an accurate assessment, consult a professional appraiser or refer to local regulations on pricing used items.
Sourcing used furniture
Finding quality sources for your inventory is integral to the success of a used furniture business. Here are some excellent places to find used furniture at bargain prices:
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Garage sales
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Estate sales
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Thrift stores
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Consignment shops
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Online platforms like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and OfferUp
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Office renovations and relocations
Every method of sourcing comes with its own set of perks. Garage and estate sales are treasure troves for finding one-of-a-kind furniture pieces. Thrift stores and consignment shops are havens for lightly used items. Online platforms make locating furniture within your local vicinity easy, and office renovations are an excellent opportunity to acquire used furniture in large quantities.
Garage sales and estate sales
Garage and estate sales present opportunities to find unique and valuable furniture at low prices. To find these sales, check out websites like garagesalefinder.com or local classifieds.
Be prepared to negotiate and haggle for the best price, as sellers at these events are often eager to unload their items quickly. Arriving early ensures you have first dibs on unsold merchandise while waiting until the end of the sale may result in slashed prices.
Thrift stores and consignment shops
Thrift stores, consignment shops, and antique shops provide a steady supply of used furniture at discounted prices. These shops, including the occasionally used furniture store, often carry a wide variety of furniture, from antique to modern pieces. However, as these sources are not the original sellers, there is already air in the prices, meaning that your potential profit margin on these pieces of furniture is likely to be lower.
Remember that the furniture's condition may vary, so be sure to scrutinize each piece before making a purchase.
Online platforms
Online platforms like Craigslist, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and OfferUp allow you to find used furniture in your local area and even sell furniture online. These platforms offer the convenience of searching for and selling furniture from the comfort of your own home.
Additionally, some sellers may offer their used items for free, as long as the buyer picks them up, providing a great opportunity to get furniture without spending a penny.
Refurbishing and restoring furniture
A significant increase in furniture's value and appeal to potential buyers can be achieved through refurbishing and restoring. This process involves cleaning, repairing, and sometimes upcycling or customizing the furniture to create unique, one-of-a-kind pieces.
Investing time in refurbishing and restoring furniture allows you to create unique and appealing pieces to potential buyers. This process breathes new life into old furniture and adds value by transforming them into one-of-a-kind creations. Whether repairing a vintage piece to its former glory or giving a modern twist to a dated item, refurbishing and restoring furniture can be both rewarding and profitable. It's an opportunity to put your creativity and craftsmanship to work, resulting in a piece of furniture that carries a story and stands out in the market.
Cleaning and repairs
Cleaning and repairing furniture can significantly improve its appearance and functionality. This may involve:
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Washing wooden furniture with mild dish soap and warm water.
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Sanding, patching, and refinishing with oil, wax, lacquer, or paint gives used furniture an updated and finished look.
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Using a quality upholstery cleaner or re-upholstering fabric and leather surfaces.
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Replacing or refurbishing worn parts such as hinges, pulls, locks, and other removable parts.
Upcycling and customization
Upcycling and customization can transform ordinary furniture into unique, one-of-a-kind pieces. This is a creative process and can involve:
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Repurposing drawers into side tables
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Converting old chairs into a bench
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Adding a fresh coat of paint
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Incorporating different materials
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Adding decorative elements
Applying these techniques allows you to craft a truly unique piece of furniture. However, tread lightly. Sometimes, it's best to keep alterations minimal to maintain the original charm of the piece.
Pricing your furniture
Pricing your furniture includes researching market prices, considering costs, and determining your desired profit margin. By setting a competitive and profitable price, you can attract potential buyers and make the most of your used furniture business.
How to price thrift store items for maximum profit →
Researching market prices
To determine the appropriate price for your furniture, research market prices by comparing similar items on various sales platforms and in local stores. Remember that the condition, age, and materials used in the furniture can greatly impact its market value.
Calculating the average market price can help you set a competitive price for your furniture.
Considering costs and desired profit margin
Consider costs such as materials, labor, and transportation when pricing your furniture. Your desired profit margin should be determined by your ambitions and the market prices for comparable items.
By factoring in these costs and the desired profit margin, you can set a competitive and profitable price.
The art of pricing: a dive into pricing strategy and price positioning →
Marketing your furniture
Effective marketing is vital in attracting potential buyers and securing sales. High-quality photos, detailed descriptions, and utilizing multiple sales channels can help showcase your furniture and reach a wider audience.
Creating a comprehensive marketing strategy ensures that your furniture stands out.
High-quality photos
High-quality photos showcase the furniture's features and condition, attracting potential buyers. Take different kinds of photos that are clear, well-lit photos that highlight the unique aspects of the furniture, and consider adding creative touches to make your listings stand out from the competition.
You can follow these e-commerce photography tips to make your furniture stand out from the competition. Consider adding a unique background that tells a story or sets a mood. This could be anything from a vintage wallpaper backdrop for antique furniture to a sleek, minimalist setting for modern pieces. You could also include props that complement the furniture, such as a vase of flowers on a table or a throw blanket draped over a chair. These small details can make a big difference in how your furniture is perceived and help potential buyers visualize it in their own space.
Detailed descriptions
Detailed product descriptions provide essential information about the furniture, including dimensions, materials, and any unique features.
Be sure to include all relevant information in your listings to help potential buyers make an informed decision.
Utilizing multiple sales channels
Utilizing multiple sales channels, such as selling online, flea markets, and consignment shops, increases visibility and potential sales. By reaching a wider audience through various channels, you can increase the chances of finding the perfect buyer for your furniture.
Choose your sales channel wisely. Online sales offer convenience but face competition and fees. Selling in person allows for interaction but demands more time and effort. Weigh the advantages and challenges of each option to make an informed decision.
Promotion and customer acquisition
Promoting your used furniture business and acquiring new customers is critical to running a successful venture. Without a solid promotional strategy and a steady stream of customers, your business may not reach its full potential.
This includes various activities designed to raise awareness of your business and attract potential customers. This can involve traditional marketing methods such as print advertisements, direct mail campaigns, and public relations efforts. It can also include digital marketing strategies such as social media advertising, email marketing, search engine optimization (SEO), and more.
Closing the sale
The sales closure process encompasses price negotiation, arrangement of pick-up or delivery, and cultivation of customer relationships. By mastering these aspects of the sales process, you can ensure a smooth transaction and satisfied customers who may return for future purchases or refer your business to others.
Negotiating prices
Negotiating prices can lead to a mutually beneficial agreement between buyer and seller. Be prepared to haggle and negotiate with potential buyers, as this can result in a better deal for both parties.
Remember, flexibility in pricing can lead to more sales and a successful business.
Arranging pick-up or delivery
Arranging pick-up or delivery ensures a smooth transaction and satisfied customers. You can utilize third-party logistics services or use your own vehicle to fetch products from sellers and deliver them to buyers.
Pick-up and delivery services offer convenience because not everyone has the ability to move heavy and large items of furniture from one place to another. Same-day delivery options can streamline the process even further.
Building customer relationships
Building customer relationships can lead to repeat business and positive word-of-mouth referrals. Offer discounts for repeat customers, deliver outstanding customer service, and promptly respond to customer inquiries to foster meaningful relationships with your customers.
By focusing on customer satisfaction, you can create a loyal customer base that will support your business's growth.
Legal considerations and record-keeping
Running a successful secondhand furniture business requires careful legal considerations and diligent record-keeping. In addition to a solid business plan, you must register your business, obtain the necessary permits and licenses, and stay organized with inventory and financial records to help ensure your business operates legally and efficiently.
Registering your business
Registering your business and choosing the appropriate business structure will safeguard your personal assets, ensure you meet all local regulations, and help you find the right business insurance. Consider whether a:
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Sole proprietorship
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Partnership
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Limited liability company (LLC)
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Corporation
best suits your needs and goals.
Consult with a business attorney or accountant for guidance on the best structure for your business.
Taxes and permits
Obtaining and maintaining taxes and permits from the county clerk's office will ensure you operate legally and avoid any fines or penalties.
Consult with a tax professional or refer to your local tax regulations for specific advice on the taxes and permits required for your business.
Keeping track of inventory and finances
Keeping track of inventory and finances will help you monitor your business performance and make smart decisions for growth and profitability.
Consider using inventory management software or maintaining detailed records to stay organized and on top of your business's financial health.
Summary
In conclusion, selling used furniture can be profitable with the right approach and strategies. You can build a successful used furniture business by choosing the right furniture, sourcing from various outlets, refurbishing and restoring pieces, pricing them competitively, marketing effectively, closing sales, and adhering to legal considerations and record keeping. Now is the time to turn your passion for furniture into a booming enterprise!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to sell second-hand furniture?
Selling second-hand furniture can be profitable and easy with platforms like Offerup, eBay, Bonanza, Bookoo, and Etsy. Moreover, you can cut out the extra intermediaries and, thus, increase profit margins by selling directly to your customers by creating your own online shop or using social media.
Is used furniture worth anything?
Used furniture still has value, but typically at 20-50% of its original sale price. The exact amount depends on the condition and style of the piece.
Can you make money buying and selling used furniture?
You can absolutely make money buying and selling used furniture — just visit local thrift stores or garage sales to find pieces, then use your hustle to turn them into a profit.
How can I determine the right price for my used furniture?
Research the market to set a competitive and profitable price for your used furniture — consider similar items on various sales platforms, as well as costs such as materials, labor, and transportation. Determine your desired profit margin to ensure you're getting a fair return.
What are some effective ways to source used furniture?
Garage sales, estate sales, thrift stores, consignment shops, and online platforms like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and OfferUp are great places to source used furniture at excellent prices. You can also offer a pick-up service for individuals and businesses who want to get rid of their excess goods quickly.
