Where to Source Home Decor to Resell for Profit

Unlocking the Secrets of Sourcing Home Decor for Resale

If you're ready to delve into the world of reselling home decor, you're in for an exciting journey. I've sourced and sold thousands of pieces, and I'm here to share my insights on how you can do the same. With a small startup budget and a keen eye, you can transform your passion for home decor into a profitable venture.

1. Thrift Stores

Thrift stores are a treasure trove for home decor enthusiasts. Look for signed or branded pieces like West Elm, Anthropologie, and Restoration Hardware. These items often end up in thrift stores when people upgrade their decor. Typical costs range from $1 to $20 per item, depending on size and brand.

What to Look For: Check the bottom of items for maker's marks or signatures. Always inspect for chips, cracks, and stains.

Pros: Low cost, frequent new stock.

Cons: Condition may vary, often requires cleaning.

Realistic Profit Margin: 50% to 200% depending on the brand and condition.

2. Estate Sales

Estate sales are gold mines for vintage pottery, mid-century lamps, and art prints, which are often underpriced. You can find pieces like McCoy pottery and Fiestaware for $5 to $30.

What to Look For: Focus on pottery and art prints, avoiding furniture and jewelry.

Pros: Unique, high-value items.

Cons: Competitive, requires early arrival.

Realistic Profit Margin: 100% to 300% on vintage items.

3. Garage and Car Boot Sales

Garage sales and car boot sales are excellent for finding hidden gems. People often sell items like lamps and mirrors for as little as $2 to $15.

What to Look For: Unusual or vintage designs, brand tags.

Pros: Extremely low cost, potential for rare finds.

Cons: Weather-dependent, limited selection.

Realistic Profit Margin: 200% to 500% for unique finds.

4. Online Liquidation Sites

Online sites like Liquidation.com offer home decor lots at a fraction of retail prices. Prices can range from $50 to $300 for bulk lots.

What to Look For: High-end brands in undamaged condition.

Pros: Bulk buying, potential for high-end items.

Cons: Requires upfront investment, sometimes sight unseen.

Realistic Profit Margin: 50% to 150% depending on the lot.

5. Wholesale Suppliers

For those looking to scale, wholesale suppliers offer bulk home decor items. Prices vary but expect to pay $100 to $500 per order.

What to Look For: Popular current trends and styles.

Pros: Consistent stock, often new items.

Cons: Higher initial costs, less unique inventory.

Realistic Profit Margin: 25% to 75% depending on demand.

6. Clearance Sections at HomeGoods, TK Maxx, and Marshalls

These stores offer unique pieces at 40-60% off retail. Look for one-off items priced between $5 and $30.

What to Look For: Seasonal decor and branded items.

Pros: Brand new items, deep discounts.

Cons: Limited quantities, regional variations.

Realistic Profit Margin: 30% to 60% on sought-after items.

7. Facebook Marketplace Free Sections

Check the free sections for mirrors, frames, and ceramic pieces people discard during moves. Cost is free; you only invest your time.

What to Look For: Items with potential for upcycling.

Pros: No cost, easy to access.

Cons: Requires transportation, may need cleaning or repairs.

Realistic Profit Margin: Infinite, since items are free.

8. Facebook Groups

Join local buy/sell groups where people offer home decor items. Prices often range from $5 to $50.

What to Look For: Local pickups of heavy items to avoid shipping costs.

Pros: Direct communication, quick deals.

Cons: Need to negotiate, potential flakiness.

Realistic Profit Margin: 50% to 150% for in-demand items.

9. Seasonal Sourcing Tips

Home decor is cheapest post-holiday sales (January) and during back-to-school sales (August). It's most expensive to sell during pre-holiday shopping (October to December).

Startup Budget: You can start sourcing home decor with as little as $100. Focus on low-cost, high-margin items to grow your inventory.

Red Flags to Avoid

• Fakes: Avoid knock-offs as they undermine trust and resale value.
• Excessive Damage: Steer clear of items with significant chips or non-working electronics.
• Low Demand Items: Research demand on platforms like eBay or Etsy before investing.

Consider using a tool like ListingGenie for writing listings that maximize your profit on sourced home decor.

FAQ

• What is the best platform to sell home decor? For unique and vintage items, Etsy is ideal. For a broad audience, eBay is excellent.
• How do I determine the value of vintage items? Research similar sold items on eBay and consult price guides for specific brands.
• Can I sell broken items? Only if they are rare or can be easily repaired. Always disclose any flaws.
• How often should I source items? Regularly check your preferred channels as stock changes frequently, especially in thrift stores.