Where to Source Furniture to Resell for Profit

Sourcing Furniture for Resale: A Comprehensive Guide

If you're looking to jump into the furniture reselling business, you've come to the right place. As an experienced reseller, I've navigated the ins and outs of finding valuable pieces at bargain prices. This guide will walk you through my favorite sourcing channels, what to look for, red flags to avoid, and tips for maximizing your profits.

1. Thrift Stores

Thrift stores are treasure troves for budget-friendly furniture finds. You can typically find basic furniture pieces like IKEA desks and bookshelves for $10-$50. Solid wood items are rare but not impossible to stumble upon.

• Pros: Low prices, frequent donations, potential for unique finds.
• Cons: Requires regular visits and patience to find valuable items.
• Profit Margins: Depending on the piece, expect margins of 50-300% upon resale.

2. Estate Sales

Estate sales can be gold mines for high-quality, valuable furniture. Attend on the last day when items are usually discounted by 50-75%.

• Pros: High-quality furniture, significant discounts on the last day.
• Cons: Timing is crucial, and competition can be fierce early on.
• Profit Margins: Solid wood and mid-century pieces can fetch 200%+ profits.

3. Garage/Car Boot Sales

These sales are perfect for finding furniture that people are eager to offload. Prices are often negotiable.

• Pros: Low prices, direct negotiation with sellers.
• Cons: Varying quality and unpredictability.
• Profit Margins: Can range from 100-200% depending on negotiation skills.

4. Online Liquidation and Wholesale

Online platforms offer bulk purchasing options at discounted rates. It's an efficient way to stock up.

• Pros: Bulk options, lower cost per item.
• Cons: Requires upfront investment and storage space.
• Profit Margins: 150-250% if you purchase wisely.

5. Clearance Sections

Many furniture stores have clearance sections where they sell off floor models and last-season items at a discount.

• Pros: Brand new items at a discount.
• Cons: Limited selection and potential minor damage from display.
• Profit Margins: 100-200% for brand name or trendy pieces.

6. Facebook Groups

Local Facebook groups often have people selling or giving away furniture they no longer need.

• Pros: Free or very low-cost items, easy local pickup.
• Cons: Quality varies, and competition can be high.
• Profit Margins: 200-400% especially with free finds.

7. Kerb Alerts and Free Sections

Keep an eye on kerb alerts and the free sections of Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace. Solid wood and antique pieces are often found here.

• Pros: Completely free, often high-quality finds.
• Cons: Requires quick action and transportation arrangements.
• Profit Margins: Potentially 300-500% depending on the piece.

8. Habitat for Humanity ReStore

These charity shops receive quality furniture donations that they sell at 50-80% below retail.

• Pros: Affordable prices, supports a good cause.
• Cons: Limited to donated stock.
• Profit Margins: 150-400% depending on item type.

What to Look for in Furniture

• Solid wood construction over particle board.
• Mid-century modern or antique styles.
• High-end brands like Herman Miller or Knoll.
• Quality craftsmanship evidenced by dovetail joints and finished backs.

Red Flags to Avoid

• Wobbly joints that are not easily fixed.
• Deep scratches or significant veneer damage.
• Items with a low resale demand, like overly customized pieces.

Seasonal Sourcing Tips

Furniture is often cheapest to buy in January and February after holiday sales. The best time to sell is late spring through early summer when people are moving and redecorating.

Startup Budget

You can start sourcing furniture with as little as $100, especially if you focus on free sections or low-cost thrift store finds.

Maximizing Profits with ListingGenie

When listing your sourced furniture, use ListingGenie to create compelling descriptions and optimize your listings for maximum visibility and profitability.

FAQs

• What are the best months to source furniture? January and February are ideal for sourcing due to post-holiday clearouts.
• How do I transport large furniture items? Consider renting a van or truck, or hire a local mover for oversized pieces.
• Is upcycling worth the effort? Absolutely, a $20 piece can sell for $150-300 after a makeover.
• What platforms are best for selling? Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, and Craigslist are excellent due to low or no fees.