Complete Guide to Reselling Furniture Online

Reselling furniture isn't just about flipping pieces for a profit; it's an art and a science that can turn into a lucrative side hustle or even a full-time business. Whether you're a casual reseller looking to make an extra $300-$500 a month or a serious entrepreneur aiming for $2,000 a month or more, the furniture market offers plenty of opportunities.

The Business Case: Is Reselling Furniture Profitable?

Furniture reselling can be exceptionally profitable due to the low initial cost and high resale value. For casual resellers, focusing on a few pieces a month can net you a couple of hundred dollars in profit per piece. For example, sourcing a $20 dresser, refinishing it, and selling it for $150 can easily become your weekend gig. Serious resellers who expand into estate sales and upscale furniture could earn $2,000 a month by flipping mid-century modern or antique furniture, each with potential profits of $300-$1,000 per item.

Deep Dive on Sourcing: Where and How to Find Furniture

Successful furniture reselling starts with smart sourcing. Here’s where to look and what to expect:

• Curb Alerts and Free Listings: Check the free sections of Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace. People often give away solid wood furniture and antiques because they don't want the hassle of moving them. With a bit of repair and polish, these can be resold for significant profit.
• Estate Sales: The last day of estate sales is your best bet for bargains. Large furniture is hard to move, making sellers more willing to negotiate. Discounts of 50-75% are common, and you can leverage this for more significant savings.
• Charity Shops: Stores like Habitat for Humanity ReStore offer donated furniture at 50-80% below retail. The inventory changes frequently, so regular visits can help you score great finds.
• Upcycling: Buy cheap, damaged, or unattractive furniture and refurbish them. A $20 piece with a modern paint job can go for $150-300 on Facebook Marketplace.

Best Platforms for Selling Furniture

Your choice of platform depends on the item’s value and your location:

• Facebook Marketplace: Ideal for local pickups, this platform has a massive audience with zero fees for local sales. Perfect for mid-range and high-value pieces due to its extensive reach.
• Gumtree: Great for the UK and Australian markets, it’s free to list most items. It’s best for mid-tier items that are too large to ship.
• Craigslist: Entirely free for most categories and US-focused. It attracts all demographics, making it suitable for quick sales of everyday items.

Pricing Strategy: How to Price for Profit

Pricing furniture requires a keen eye for value and market demand. Here are some strategies:

• Basic Furniture: Pieces like IKEA items generally sell for $30-80. Keep prices competitive to move these quickly.
• Solid Wood Dressers/Tables: These can fetch $80-300, depending on brand and condition. Highlight quality features like dovetail joints to justify higher prices.
• Mid-century Modern: Hot items in this category sell for $150-800+. Look for designer names that can significantly boost value.
• Antique Furniture: Items in this category start from $200 and can go up to $2000+. The key is understanding what makes an antique valuable, such as provenance and craftsmanship.
• High-end Designer Pieces: Items from brands like Herman Miller can sell for $500-5000+. Always verify authenticity as the brand name is crucial in this price range.

Photography and Listing Optimization

Good photos and listings are crucial. Here’s how to make your furniture stand out:

• Natural Light and Clean Space: Photograph furniture in natural light against a clean, uncluttered background. Poor lighting can make even the best pieces look unappealing.
• Show Scale and Condition: Include common objects for scale and open all drawers and doors to show the interior condition.
• Detail Oriented: Capture maker’s marks, labels, or stamps that can increase value. Use ListingGenie to generate optimized listings with relevant keywords.

FAQs About Reselling Furniture

• How do I transport large furniture? For local pickups, always measure pieces beforehand and make sure your vehicle can accommodate them. For shipping, use freight services like uShip or GoShare.
• What condition issues should I avoid? Watch out for severe structural damage, irreparable veneer, and non-functioning drawers. Minor scratches and wobbly joints can often be repaired.
• How do I handle negotiations? Be flexible but firm in your pricing. Know your bottom line and the value of your piece.
• What are the legal considerations? Ensure all items comply with safety standards, especially if you’re selling baby furniture or items with electrical components.
• Can I sell internationally? It’s generally not cost-effective due to shipping costs, unless you’re dealing with high-end designer pieces.