HOW TO MAKE MONEY FLIPPING FURNITURE FOR BEGINNERS

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Are you ready to dive into the exciting world of furniture flipping? Let me share a little secret with you: a few months ago, I decided to try furniture flipping to earn some extra cash, and let me tell you, it’s been quite the adventure!

If you’re anything like me, you’re itching to know how to make money flipping furniture. Well, buckle up, because I’m about to spill the beans on how to do just that.

If you have a knack for spotting hidden gems among neglected furniture pieces and want to unleash your creativity then this side hustle is for you!

Now, full disclosure: I’m not the most creative girl, but I do love a good project – especially when it can help me make $600 fast.

So, if you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and turn dusty old pieces into cold hard cash, then join me as I guide you through furniture flipping for beginners. Trust me, it’s not as hard as you think!

1. SCOUT FOR HIDDEN GEMS

First, you need to find your raw materials – the furniture pieces waiting to be transformed. As a beginner to furniture flipping, I started with a nightstand.

Smaller pieces of furniture are cheaper to buy, easier to refurbish, and sell faster than larger pieces.

Here’s a list of places and websites where you can find furniture to flip:

1. Thrift Stores:

• Goodwill, Salvation Army, and local thrift stores often have a wide selection of furniture at affordable prices.

2. Garage Sales:

• Check out weekend yard sales in your area for deals on pre-loved furniture. You can negotiate prices and often find unique pieces.

3. Estate Sales:

• Estate sales are great for finding higher-quality furniture pieces, including antiques, at reasonable prices. Websites like EstateSales.net can help you find sales near you.

4. Craigslist:

• Craigslist is a treasure trove of secondhand furniture listings. Keep an eye out for free or low-cost items that you can refurbish and sell for a profit.

5. Facebook Marketplace:

• Similar to Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace allows users to buy and sell items locally. You can search for furniture listings in your area and negotiate prices directly with sellers.

2. GATHER YOUR MATERIALS

Now that you’ve found your pieces, it’s time to gather your tools and materials. Here’s a basic list to get you started:

• Screwdriver Set
• Electric Drill
• Sandpaper Assortment
• Electric Sander
• Wood Glue
• Wood Filler
• Putty Knife
• Paint Brushes and Rollers
• Painter’s Tape
• Drop Cloths or Plastic Sheeting
• Safety Gear (Safety goggles, Dust mask or respirator, Work gloves)
• Measuring Tape
• Level
• Utility Knife
• Hammer
• Staple Gun (optional)
• Clamps (optional)
• Furniture Wax or Polish (optional)
• Furniture Hardware (optional)
• Cleaning Supplies

You can find most, if not all, of these at hardware stores like Home Depot or Lowe’s.

3. CLEAN IT

With your tools and materials in hand, it’s time to start transforming your furniture finds. Begin by thoroughly cleaning each piece to remove dirt and grime.

The whole point of making money flipping furniture is to make some fast cash, and spending too much on materials will cut into your profit.

If I can get things free or cheap, then that’s what I’m working with. It also helps that I’m a carpenter’s daughter, so I can always borrow most tools. 🙂

To clean my piece, I do a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. It’s as good a cleaner as any store bought one.

Once mixed, lightly mist the surface of the furniture with the solution.

Then, grab a clean microfiber cloth and wipe down the entire surface, paying extra attention to any visible stains or grime.

For tougher stains, apply the solution directly to the affected area and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping clean. The strong scent of vinegar won’t last for more than a few hours.

Once cleaned, buff the furniture with a dry cloth and leave it to dry.

4. MAKE REPAIRS

Secondhand furniture tends to have scratches, discoloration, and sometimes even missing parts.

As a beginner, I recommend that you avoid trying to flip furniture that needs a lot of repairs. Upholstery issues, water damage, and missing parts are hard NO. It’s a lot of work and it can be frustrating.

Here are some common issues and what you’ll need to fix them:

• Loose Joints or Hardware:
  Fix: Tighten screws, bolts, or nuts with a screwdriver, wrench, or pliers. If necessary, replace any missing or damaged hardware with new pieces.

• Scratches or Surface Damage:
  Fix: Sand down the affected area with fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out scratches. For deeper scratches or gouges, fill them in with wood filler, then sand and refinish as needed.

• Wobbly Legs or Uneven Surfaces:
  Fix: Use shims or furniture levelers to stabilize wobbly legs or correct uneven surfaces. Alternatively, adjust or replace any damaged or missing leg attachments.

• Stains or Discoloration:
  Fix: Clean the surface thoroughly with a solution of mild soap and water, or use a specialized cleaner for specific stains (e.g., upholstery cleaner for fabric stains). For stubborn stains, consider sanding and refinishing the affected area.

5. SAND, PRIME AND PAINT

When you’re sprucing up furniture, sanding, priming, and painting are key steps to make it look pro. Making money from flipping furniture really depends on the quality of your finished pieces.

Start by sanding the surface with some sandpaper to smooth things out and get rid of any old finish. Then slap on a coat of primer to provide a smooth base for the paint.

Once that’s dry, it’s time to paint!

Now, when it comes to colors, it’s best to steer clear of anything too wild. Think about what most folks would like – neutral colors like white, gray, or beige are usually a safe bet. They go with just about anything and appeal to lots of different people.

So, stick to those classic shades, and you’re sure to get a fast sale.

Buy a quality paintbrush. I’m all for going cheap on most things, but you want your paint job to be immaculate.

6. DESIGN LIKE CRAZY!

When designing furniture for flipping, this is where I encourage insane creativity!

One nifty change you can make to elevate the aesthetic is updating the hardware.

Swap out old, dated knobs or handles for sleek, modern ones to instantly give a piece a fresh new look.

Another idea is to add some decorative elements like trim or molding to plain surfaces to add visual interest and dimension.

Don’t be afraid to get crafty with paint techniques either –  stencil designs can add a unique touch and make your furniture stand out from the crowd.

7. SEAL IT (OPTIONAL)

When flipping furniture, you want to provide the highest quality to your buyer, so going the extra mile shouldn’t feel like a chore.

High-traffic furniture like coffee tables are prone to scratches.

After putting in the effort to paint and design your flipped furniture piece, it’s crucial to seal it to protect your hard work and ensure durability.

Applying a clear polyurethane sealant can provide a tough, protective barrier against scratches, stains, and general wear and tear.

Polyurethane sealant is a protective coating applied to furniture surfaces.

It forms a tough, clear barrier that seals and protects the underlying paint or finish, extending the lifespan of the furniture piece.

Here are three brands that I recommend:

• Minwax
• Varathane
• Rust-Oleum

8. PRICE YOUR FLIPPED FURNITURE

When pricing your flipped furniture, start by checking out similar listings in your area to get an idea of the market. Then, add up what you spent on buying and fixing up the furniture, including your time and effort.

Consider the quality of your flipped furniture and any special features it has. Think about who might want to buy your furniture and what they’re willing to pay.

Always be open to negotiation if you have a serious buyer. You might make a little less than you originally intended but you can still make $600 fast when flipping furniture.

9. MARKET YOUR PIECE

When marketing furniture for sale, it’s essential to create a compelling listing that highlights the features and benefits of the piece to attract potential buyers.

Here are some key elements to include in your listing:

Detailed Description: Provide a thorough description of the furniture piece, including its dimensions, materials, and any special features or design elements. Describe its condition, noting any imperfections or repairs made during the flipping process.

High-Quality Photos: Take clear, well-lit photos of the furniture from multiple angles to showcase its appearance and craftsmanship. Include close-up shots of any unique details or finishes to give buyers a closer look.

Pricing Information: Clearly state the asking price for the furniture piece, along with any additional costs such as delivery or shipping fees. Consider pricing competitively based on factors such as the quality of the refurbishment, market demand, and similar listings in your area.

Contact Information: Provide contact details for interested buyers to reach out to you with inquiries or to arrange a viewing or purchase. Include your preferred method of contact, such as email, phone, or messaging through the online platform where the listing is posted.

Pickup or Delivery Options: Specify whether the furniture is available for pickup only or if you offer delivery services. Include details such as delivery fees, availability, and any restrictions on delivery locations or times.

Selling Points: Highlight the uniqueness of your piece, such as its one-of-a-kind design, quality craftsmanship, or versatility in complementing different decor styles. Emphasize the benefits of owning the piece to appeal to potential buyers’ interests and preferences. You want people to think you’re a pro at furniture flipping.

Return Policy: Clearly outline your return policy, including any conditions or timeframes for returns or exchanges. Provide reassurance to buyers that they can buy with confidence and address any concerns they may have about the purchase.

And there you have it – the ultimate guide to making money flipping furniture for beginners. With a little patience, creativity, and elbow grease, you can turn old, forgotten pieces into cash in your pocket. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start flipping! 

Is furniture flipping profitable?

The answer is yes! Furniture flipping is profitable when you acquire used furniture, restore it, and sell it for profit.

If you enjoyed this post and found it helpful, please share on Pinterest! Let me know how your furniture-flipping journey goes. How much did you spend? How much did you make?