Quick links:
- Up to pillar: furniture flipping beginner guide
- Sideways: flipping furniture for profit | is flipping furniture profitable?
- Over to sourcing: where to find furniture to flip
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Why couch flipping rocks
Couch flipping is refurbishing used sofas and selling them for more. One good couch can net $150–$300 profit—often more than four small dressers. Yes, couches are big, but the payoff is big too.
1. Find the right sofa
| Source | What to look for | Red flags |
|---|---|---|
| Facebook Marketplace | Solid frame, no major stains | Heavy pet odor, sagging cushions |
| Estate sales | High-end brands, leather | Torn seams, missing legs |
| Apartment dumpsters (move-out day) | Modern sectionals, free | Obvious bed-bug signs |
Tip: Run your hand under the frame. Hardwood feels solid; particleboard feels flimsy.
2. Move it smart
- Tools: Moving blankets, ratchet straps, a basic dolly.
- Transport: Borrow or rent a pickup for $20/hr.
- Loading trick: Stand the sofa on end to fit through tight doors. Protect corners with blankets.
3. Deep-clean fast
- Vacuum: Remove crumbs and dust.
- Spot treat stains: Mix warm water + a drop of dish soap. Dab, don’t rub.
- Deodorize: Sprinkle baking soda, wait 15 min, vacuum again.
- Steam or shampoo: A small carpet cleaner head works great on fabric.
- Sun dry: Direct sunlight kills odors—leave cushions outside for an hour if weather allows.
Leather? Wipe with mild soap, then use a leather conditioner. Tears? Patch kits hide small rips.
4. Repair basics
- Tighten loose legs with a wrench.
- Add felt pads under feet to stop floor scratches (buyers love this).
- Swap dated throw pillows for two fresh covers—adds instant style for $10.
5. Stage and shoot
- Backdrop: Plain wall, good daylight.
- Angles: Front shot, side profile, close-up of fabric.
- Extras: Toss a blanket over one arm for a cozy touch.
- Dimensions: Measure width, depth, height, seat depth—buyers always ask.
6. Price for profit
Use the quick formula from our pricing guide:
javaCopyEditSale price = (buy + supplies + transport + fair labor) × 2.5–3
Example: $40 sofa + $15 supplies + $20 truck + $30 labor = $105 cost. List for $260. On Asherfield you keep 85% ($182). Net profit = $182 – $105 = $77 for one flip.
7. Offer delivery
Buyers without trucks will pay extra. Two delivery models:
| Model | Charge | Works best for |
|---|---|---|
| Free delivery | Build $30–$50 into price | Fast sales in dense cities |
| Paid delivery | $40 flat fee | Rural buyers, budget listings |
Use a cheap furniture dolly and blanket wrap to deliver without damage.
8. Quick couch flipping tips
- Smell test first. Musty odor is hard to fix.
- Check cushions. Zip-off covers mean easy washing.
- Upholstery sprays. Fabric paint can refresh faded microfiber.
- List on Asherfield first. Serious buyers pay a 15% deposit—no flakes.
- Cross-post with link. Share your Asherfield listing to Facebook groups for extra reach.
- Keep straps handy. Fast tie-downs prevent transit damage (and refunds).
Couch flipping FAQ
How to flip a couch fast? Pick neutral colors, deep-clean right away, price fairly, and offer delivery within 48 hours.
What if cushions sag? Add cheap foam toppers inside zipper covers—firms them up.
Do sectional pieces sell slower? Not if you label each section and show how it reconnects. Buyers love big family couches.
Do I need a truck to start? No—rent hourly or partner with a friend who owns one; split fuel costs.
Best brands to flip? IKEA Kivik, West Elm Henry, La-Z-Boy leather, and any clean mid-century style sofa.
Next move
Grab a solid sofa this weekend, follow these steps, and list on Asherfield. With one good couch flip, you could clear $100 profit—or more. Keep notes, repeat what works, and watch your couch flipping business grow piece by comfy piece.
