How to start a furniture flipping business

Starting a furniture flipping business is like turning weekend finds into real, steady money. With a simple plan, you can move past “random flips” and run this like a clean, small shop.

If you are brand new, first read the furniture flipping guide. Then use this page to set up your business, money flow, and marketing.

Why turn flipping into a business?

Flipping one or two pieces for fun is great. Turning it into a small business adds a few big wins:

• More steady income, not just random cash here and there.
• The chance to write off tools, supplies, and some travel.
• Better deals once people see you as “the furniture person.”
• A brand you can grow, sell, or turn into a full-time shop later.

This guide keeps it light: simple steps, plain language, and a flow you can build on weekends.

Step 1: Pick your legal structure

You do not need a big, scary setup to start. But knowing your options helps you stay safe and plan ahead.

Many small flippers start as sole prop, then switch to an LLC once profit feels steady. For deeper help on business setup, check trusted guides like the U.S. Small Business Administration’s “10 steps to start your business” .

Step 2: Map your inventory flow

A clean flow keeps cash and pieces moving. Here is a simple path you can sketch on one page.

• Source smart. Use a simple route: thrift, online alerts, curb finds, and seller leads.
• Refurb fast. Batch jobs: sand several pieces one day; paint another day.
• Store safely. Keep finished pieces off damp floors and covered.
• List quick. Get new finds photographed and posted within a day or two.
• Deliver or schedule pickup. Add a fair delivery fee into your price if you offer it.
• Reinvest. Decide a simple split, like “70% back into new buys, 30% to pay myself.”

You can refine each step using:

• where to find furniture to flip for sourcing.
• how to flip furniture for repairs and finishing.
• where to sell flipped furniture for channels.

Step 3: Price like a business

Your price should pay for your time, your costs, and some stress. Guessing keeps you stuck. Simple math sets you free.

Start with the core formula from flipping furniture for profit:

Profit = selling price – (buy price + fix-up costs + labor + delivery + fees)

For a business, also add a small “overhead” percent to cover things like storage, web hosting, and bookkeeping.

A simple model:

• Decide your hourly rate (for example, 25–40 dollars per hour at first).
• Estimate hours per piece and include this as “labor” in your costs.
• Add 10–15% on top for overhead.
• Use your calculator to check that margin still lands in your target range.

Step 4: Build your brand and simple site

You do not need a huge brand kit. You do need a name, a “look,” and a place people can find you.

Name and style

• Pick a simple name that fits many styles (for example, “Oak & Paint Reworks”).
• Choose 1–2 colors and 1 basic font you like.
• Use a quick logo from a tool like Canva or a local designer when you are ready.

Simple website

• Start with a one-page site: who you are, what you buy, gallery, and contact.
• Link out to your Asherfield listings, Instagram, or other places you sell.
• Keep words short and clear. Show before/after photos and happy buyers.

Your brand does not have to be perfect to work. Start simple, then polish as you grow.

Step 5: Market for steady sales

Marketing just means “helping the right people find you.” Here are simple channels many small flippers use.

Money basics and taxes

Treating your flipping like a real business also means treating the money side with care. It does not have to be scary.

• Open a business bank account. Keep business money separate from personal money.
• Track every flip. Log buy price, costs, hours, and sale price.
• Save for taxes. A simple rule is to set aside a slice of profit (for example, 20–25%).
• Use basic bookkeeping tools. A spreadsheet or beginner-friendly app is plenty at first.
• Check local rules. Learn when you might need a sales tax permit or resale certificate.

For more on small business basics, guides like the SBA’s business center and your local small-business office are worth a read.

Download: business plan template

A business plan does not have to be long. One or two pages with clear numbers and goals can be enough.

• Your “why” — why you want a furniture flipping business.
• Your market — who buys from you and in which area.
• Your money — start-up tools, monthly costs, and income goal.
• Your flow — how pieces move from “found” to “sold.”

Use a simple fill-in-the-blanks template to make this easy. Swap in your own details and update it a few times each year.

Download the furniture flipping business plan template (PDF) →

Use Asherfield to find better deals

FAQs

When should I treat flipping as a real business?

When you are flipping pieces often, thinking about taxes, or using your truck and tools a lot, it is time. If your profit would hurt to lose, give it a real structure.

Do I need an LLC to start?

Not always. Many people start as sole prop, then move to an LLC once income is steady. A local tax or legal pro can help you decide what fits best for you.

How many flips do I need to “go pro”?

There is no magic number. Instead, look at profit and time. If you are flipping often enough that you want clean books, steady sourcing, and a brand, you are already on your way.

Do I need a resale certificate?

If you buy wholesale or want to avoid paying sales tax on certain inventory buys, your state may require one. Check your state’s tax site or talk with a local pro.

Should I hire help?

You can start solo. Later, you might bring in help for heavy lifting, cleaning, or delivery. Keep clear records of what you pay helpers and follow your local rules for contractors and workers.

Next steps

• Sketch your own simple business plan: why you flip, what you want to earn, and how many pieces you need per month.
• Use flipping furniture for profit to set real price and margin targets.
• Refine your sourcing with where to find furniture to flip so your deals match those targets.
• Clean up your listings with how to flip furniture and furniture flipping tips.
• Want inbound deals from local sellers? Claim a spot in the used furniture buyers directory.
• Curious what else we are building for flippers and buyers? Visit the Asherfield home page.