Complete Guide to Reselling Home Decor Online

Is Reselling Home Decor Profitable?

Reselling home decor can be a profitable side hustle or even a full-time gig, depending on the time and effort you put into it. Casual resellers can realistically expect to earn $500-1,000 per month, while those who treat it as a serious business can pull in $2,000-5,000 monthly. Your earnings will hinge on how well you source and market your items, as well as the platform you choose to sell on.

Deep Dive on Sourcing

Successful reselling starts with knowing where to find high-quality home decor items at low prices. Here's where to look:

HomeGoods, TK Maxx, and Marshalls

These stores offer unique home decor pieces at 40-60% off retail. The inventory is typically one-off, meaning these items can't be found elsewhere, giving you an edge in the marketplace.

Estate Sales

These are gold mines for vintage pottery like McCoy and Fiestaware, as well as mid-century lamps and art prints. Liquidators often focus on furniture and jewelry, leaving these undervalued treasures for savvy resellers like you.

Facebook Marketplace Free Sections

People often give away mirrors, frames, lamps, and ceramic pieces when moving. With a little upcycling, you can turn these freebies into profits.

Thrift Stores

Look for signed or branded pieces from West Elm, Anthropologie, and Restoration Hardware, often donated by people upgrading their decor. Always check for maker's marks on the bottom of items.

Platform Comparison

Different platforms cater to different types of home decor buyers. Here’s a breakdown:

eBay

With 135M+ active buyers, eBay is ideal for unique finds, especially those rare items over $100. The 13% fee is justified by its massive, global audience.

Etsy

Perfect for unique, handmade, or vintage items, Etsy appeals primarily to women aged 25-45. It’s a no-brainer for items with a crafted, vintage feel.

Facebook Marketplace

Best for local sales and large items like furniture that would be costly to ship. It’s also a great venue for quick flips, given its large local audience.

Pricing Strategy

When pricing, consider the item's rarity, condition, and demand. Here are some examples:

• Small Decorative Items (Candles, Vases): Typically priced between $8-25, depending on brand and aesthetics.
• Wall Art/Mirrors: These can range from $20 to $80, influenced by size and style.
• Vintage Pottery (McCoy, Fiestaware): Prices start at $15 and can soar to $100+ for rarities.
• Lamps/Lighting: Often sell for $25-150, with mid-century pieces fetching more.
• Mid-century Decor: These can go for $40-300+, depending on originality and condition.

Photography and Listing Optimisation

Presentation matters. Here’s how to optimize your listings:

Styled Photos

Home decor buyers respond better to lifestyle images. Show a vase with flowers or a lamp on a side table. Use natural daylight to capture true colors.

Detail Shots

Photograph maker's marks, labels, and any imperfections. This transparency builds trust with buyers.

Use Keywords

Optimize your listing with keywords like "mid-century," "vintage," and brand names to increase discoverability. ListingGenie can help generate optimised listings.

FAQ

• How do I determine if a piece is vintage? Look for maker's marks or labels, research the brand, and check online resources for similar items.
• What should I do if an item arrives damaged? Always insure shipments. If damage occurs, file a claim with the carrier and communicate with the buyer about a resolution.
• How can I safely ship fragile items? Use bubble wrap, packing peanuts, and double-walled boxes. Clearly mark the package as FRAGILE.
• What fees should I expect when selling online? eBay charges around 13% in fees, while Etsy charges listing and transaction fees. Factor these into your pricing.
• What are the best times to list items? List items on weekends or evenings when buyer activity is higher.