Have you ever looked at an old couch and thought, “I could make this look amazing”? If so, couch flipping might be the perfect side hustle for you. Flipping couches might not be the first side hustle that comes to mind if you want to make $600 fast but done right, you could make some serious cash.
Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or just looking to earn some money, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about flipping couches.
WHAT IS COUCH FLIPPING?
Couch flipping is pretty self-explanatory. You buy a used couch for 1/3 of the price of a similar couch that’s new. Then, you clean, repair, and resell the couch for profit. The goal is to find quality couches that people no longer want, spruce it up a bit, and resell it to someone else.
WHERE CAN I FIND COUCHES TO FLIP?
Thrift stores, garage sales, and online marketplaces like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace are gold mines for finding affordable furniture to flip. Pay attention to trends and note what styles and brands seem to sell quickly.
Early birds often get the best picks, so make it a habit to check these platforms regularly. Don’t hesitate to negotiate prices; you’ll be surprised how often you can score a great couch at a fraction of its original cost.
PRO TIP: You can usually get a really good deal from sellers who are desperate to get rid of a couch. You can offer to pick up the couch right away if they’re willing to lower their selling price.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Selecting the right couch to flip is crucial for your success with couch flipping. When you’re out hunting, look for couches that are structurally sound. Minor cosmetic issues like stains or small tears can be fixed, but significant damage to the frame or springs is not worth the trouble.
High-quality brands or well-made vintage pieces are worth more and sell faster, so it pays to familiarize yourself with reputable brands and popular styles. Contemporary styles or timeless classics tend to sell better, so avoid overly outdated designs unless they have a clear vintage appeal. Additionally, make sure you can transport the couch from its location to your workspace and eventually to the buyer, which might mean renting a truck or having a vehicle with sufficient cargo space.
DO SOME RESEARCH
Now that you understand what to look for when scouting for couches to flip, it’s time to do some research. Look at similar listings in your area to see what types of couches are selling and at what price points. Pay attention to the condition, brand, and style of these listings. This will give you a good idea of how much you can expect to sell your flipped couch for.
Here’s what you need to consider:
Frame Condition: The frame should be sturdy with no significant cracks or breaks.
Cushion Quality: Check for any sagging or worn-out cushions. Foam can be replaced, but it’s going to cost you extra.
Upholstery: Look for tears, stains, or heavy wear. Minor issues can be fixed, but extensive damage might not be worth the effort.
CLEANING
The first step in revamping a couch is a thorough cleaning. Use a vacuum to remove dust and debris from the upholstery and crevices. Use a fabric cleaner or a mixture of mild detergent and water for fabric couches. For leather couches, use a leather cleaner and conditioner. Amazon has tons of inexpensive couch cleaners and vacuums.
Cleaning Tips:
Test any cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area first.
Use a soft brush to scrub the fabric gently.
Allow the couch to dry completely before moving on to repairs.
REPAIRING
Once the couch is clean, it’s time to make some minor repairs. Common repairs include re-stuffing cushions, fixing sagging springs, and repairing or replacing upholstery.
Re-stuffing Cushions: Replace old foam with high-density foam for better support and comfort.
Fixing Springs: Secure loose springs with pliers or replace broken ones entirely.
Repairing Upholstery: Patch small tears with fabric glue or hand-stitching. For larger areas, you might have to consider reupholstering the entire couch.
REUPHOLSTERING BASICS
Reupholstering can turn an old, tired-looking couch into a real showstopper, but it can also take some time and money. If you’re just starting out, it’s best to begin with easier projects and work your way up to the more complicated ones as you get more confident. It’s a learning process—every couch you work on will teach you something new.
First things first, you need to strip off the old fabric. Carefully remove the old upholstery, and pay attention to how it was attached since this will help when you’re putting the new fabric on. It might be a bit tedious, but it’s important.
Next, check out the couch frame. Look for any damage and fix it, and reinforce any weak spots to make sure the couch is strong and sturdy. You want a solid base before you start adding new fabric.
Then, it’s time to cut the new fabric. Use the old fabric pieces as templates to cut the new ones. Make sure you leave a bit of extra fabric to staple or sew in place. Being precise here will make the rest of the process a lot easier.
Now, attach the new fabric. Start with the biggest areas and staple or sew the new material, making sure it’s tight and smooth. Take your time to make it look neat. Don’t forget to reattach any trim or decorative elements to give it a finished look.
Finally, for the finishing touches, make sure all trim or decorative elements are back in place and replace the cushions if needed. These little details can really make your couch stand out. Reupholstering might seem a bit daunting at first, but with some patience and practice, it can be really rewarding.
PRICING YOUR FLIPPED COUCH
Pricing your flipped couch correctly is significant. Price it too high, and it might sit unsold for weeks; price it meager, and you will have missed a few dollars in profit. Here are a few considerations when pricing:
Cost of Goods Sold (COGS): This could be easily calculated by dividing the total cost of acquiring, cleaning, repairing, and transporting the couch by the total cost of transportation.
Market Demand: Look for similar couches to find the average selling price in your local area.
Condition: The better the condition, the higher the price you can ask. Ensure your price is not too low for the effort and quality of your work refurbishing and conditioning the couch.
Negotiation Space: You should give some flexibility in your price as a strong possibility of buyer negotiation.
MARKETING YOUR COUCH
Once your couch is ready for sale, it’s time to market it effectively. High-quality photos and detailed descriptions are essential to attract buyers. Start by taking clear, well-lit photos from multiple angles, making sure to highlight any unique features or brand labels. Then, write a detailed description that includes the dimensions, brand, condition, and any work you’ve done to refurbish the couch. Be honest about any flaws to build trust with potential buyers.
Use relevant keywords like “couch,” “sofa,” “reupholstered,” and “vintage” to increase the visibility of your listing in search results. Make sure to list your couch on multiple platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and local buy-and-sell groups. The wider your audience, the quicker you can make a sale.
NEGOTIATING WITH BUYERS
Negotiating is a key part of selling your flipped couch, so be ready for some haggling and know your lowest acceptable price. Keeping a friendly and professional demeanor can make all the difference. Politeness can really help you close a sale and create a positive experience for both you and the buyer.
It’s important to know your limits. Decide on the minimum price you’re willing to accept and stick to it. If a buyer’s offer is too low, just politely decline. Being confident in your pricing shows that you know the value of your couch.
Highlight the couch’s value by emphasizing its quality and the effort you put into refurbishing it. This will help justify your asking price and reassure buyers that they’re getting a great deal.
Lastly, consider offering flexible options to sweeten the deal, like delivery for an additional fee. This extra convenience can often be the deciding factor for buyers and help you close the sale faster.
DELIVERY
Delivering the couch to the buyer is often the final step in the flipping process, and a smooth delivery can make all the difference. First, make sure you have access to a vehicle large enough to transport the couch—renting a truck or using a trailer can be cost-effective options.
Arrange a delivery time that works for both you and the buyer, and confirm the address along with any specific delivery instructions. Collect payment upon delivery; cash is often preferred, but services like Venmo or PayPal can be convenient as well.
Finally, ensure the couch is delivered in good condition and offer assistance with moving it into the buyer’s home if necessary. A positive experience can lead to referrals and repeat business, making your efforts worthwhile.
HOW PROFITABLE IS COUCH FLIPPING?
You might be wondering, “Just how profitable is couch flipping?” Well, the great news is that flipping couches can be very rewarding financially. Many couch flippers report 50-100% profit margins on each piece. How much you make really depends on your initial investment, the condition of the couch, and the local market demand. Some flippers pocket several hundred dollars per flip, while others might rake in over a thousand for high-end or designer pieces. Consistent sourcing, effective refurbishment, and strategic pricing are key to getting the most out of your couch flipping venture.
Pin this image below to come back on this post and please follow on Pinterest. Thanks!
