Flipping furniture can be an exciting SAHM side hustle for those with an eye for design, a knack for refurbishing, and a willingness to put in some elbow grease. Harness your creativity and follow these strategies to make money flipping furniture:
1. Sourcing Quality Pieces
Begin by sourcing furniture from various places such as thrift stores, garage sales, flea markets, estate sales, and online marketplaces like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. Look for solid wood furniture with good bones and structural integrity, as these pieces are often the most suitable for refurbishing and reselling. There are often free groups on Facebook and free items on OfferUp where you can likely get a lot of your inventory at no cost!
2. Refurbishing and Restoring
Invest time and effort into refurbishing and restoring the furniture you acquire. This may involve sanding, staining, painting, repairing, or upholstering to breathe new life into old pieces. Consider experimenting with different techniques and finishes to enhance the aesthetic appeal and value of the furniture. There are many YouTube tutorials that can walk you through it step-by-step.
3. Adding Personal Touches
Put your creative spin on the furniture by adding personal touches or customizations. This could include unique paint colors, hardware upgrades, decorative accents, or upholstery fabric choices. Adding these personal touches can help differentiate your furniture pieces and attract buyers looking for one-of-a-kind pieces. You will likely get repeat customers that begin following your work for it’s unique style.
4. Photographing and Marketing
Work on your photography skills and showcase your refurbished furniture pieces in the best possible light. You can purchase affordable lighting solutions on Amazon and most phone cameras are more than adequate. Take clear, well-lit photos from multiple angles to highlight the features and craftsmanship of each piece. Create compelling product descriptions that highlight the quality, style, and potential uses of the furniture. Utilize online marketplaces, social media platforms, and your own website or blog to market and promote your furniture pieces to potential buyers.
5. Setting Competitive Prices
Research the market to determine competitive pricing for your refurbished furniture pieces. Take into account factors such as the quality, condition, size, style, and demand for similar pieces in your area. Price your furniture competitively to attract buyers while still ensuring a healthy profit margin for yourself.
6. Negotiating and Selling
Be prepared to negotiate with potential buyers to close sales and move inventory. Respond promptly to inquiries, provide additional information or photos as needed, and be flexible in accommodating buyer preferences or requests. Consider offering delivery or shipping options to make it easier for buyers to purchase your furniture pieces, especially if they are too large for most vehicles.
7. Building Relationships and Reputation
Focus on building positive relationships with customers and cultivating a strong reputation for quality and reliability. Provide excellent customer service, be transparent and honest in your dealings, and follow through on your commitments. Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews or testimonials, which can help attract new buyers and build trust in your brand.
8. Scaling and Expanding
As you gain experience and confidence in flipping furniture, consider scaling your operation by expanding your sourcing channels, investing in tools or equipment to streamline the refurbishing process, or hiring help to handle tasks such as photography, marketing, or logistics. Continuously look for opportunities to grow your business and increase your profits while staying true to your passion for furniture flipping.
By implementing these strategies and staying dedicated to your craft, you can turn furniture flipping into a profitable and fulfilling SAHM side hustle. Remember to stay patient, persistent, and adaptable as you navigate the ups and downs of the furniture flipping market.