Starting a furniture flipping business is like turning yard-sale finds into quick, steady cash. With smart buys, fast fixes, and the right place to sell, you can earn more—and help old pieces live a new life.
Quick links:
- Up to pillar: furniture flipping beginner guide
- Sideways: flipping furniture for profit (pricing) | is flipping furniture profitable?
- Down to sourcing: where to find furniture to flip
Jump to section
Why turn flipping into a business?
A furniture flipping business lets you grow past hobby income. With a plan, you can:
- Earn steadier cash flow
- Write off supplies and tools
- Open doors to bulk sourcing deals
- Build a brand—higher trust, higher prices
Below, you’ll learn how to start a furniture flipping business—from legal setup to marketing—and grab a free business-plan PDF.
Step 1: Pick your legal structure
| Option | Best for | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| Sole proprietorship | Testing the waters | Easiest, no extra paperwork; use your own tax return; personal liability risk |
| LLC | Serious flippers | Shields personal assets; small annual fee; get an EIN for business banking |
| S-Corp | High profits ($40 k+ net) | Extra tax forms, but can save on self-employment tax once big |
Tip: Start as a sole prop, switch to an LLC once monthly profit tops $500. Many states let you file online in 10 minutes.
Step 2: Map your inventory flow
A smooth flow keeps cash moving:
- Source smart: Thrift stores, estate auctions, curb alerts. Log cost and date.
- Refurb fast: Batch similar tasks (all sanding Monday, all painting Tuesday).
- Store safely: Shelving or a 10 × 10 unit prevents dings.
- List quick: Post on Asherfield first—serious local buyers pay a deposit and pick up fast.
- Deliver or schedule pickup: Prefer delivery? Build the fee into price.
- Reinvest profits: Use a simple 70/30 split—85% back into new buys, 15% to pay yourself.
A printable flow chart lives in our free business-plan template.
Step 3: Price like a pro
Use your numbers from the flipping furniture for profit guide, then add a buffer for business costs:
javaCopyEditSale price = (buy + supplies + labor) × markup + 10 % biz overhead
Biz overhead covers storage rent, web hosting, and bookkeeping software.
Aim for $25+ hourly after all costs. Track every expense in a spreadsheet or free app (Wave, Airtable).
Step 4: Build your brand + website
Name and logo
- Keep it simple and style-neutral, e.g., “Oak & Paint Reworks.”
- Use Canva to draft a logo in 10 minutes.
Website
- Start with a one-page furniture flipping website: about, gallery, contact, and links to your Asherfield shop.
- Platforms: Wix, Squarespace, or WordPress + Elementor.
Social proof
- Post before/after reels on Instagram and TikTok.
- Ask buyers for quick photo reviews – showcase happy homes.
Step 5: Market for steady sales
| Channel | Cost | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Asherfield | Free listing | Reach ready buyers; 15% deposit stops no-shows; you keep 85% |
| Facebook Marketplace | Free | Cross-post; add “Serious buyers only—deposit via Asherfield” |
| Instagram Reels | Free | Show 30-sec makeovers; add link in bio to your shop |
| Local fairs | $25–$75 booth | Great for seasonal bulk sales; hand out QR code cards |
Pro move: Run a tiny $5/day Facebook ad targeting “home décor” within 15 mi. Link to your Asherfield profile—you pay only when buyers click.
Money basics
- Open a business bank account. Keeps taxes clean.
- Save 20 % of profit for taxes. Quarterly is easier than yearly panic.
- Use cloud bookkeeping. Wave or QuickBooks Self-Employed auto-syncs sales and expenses.
Download: free furniture-flipping business plan PDF
Get a fill-in-the-blanks plan: mission, market, startup costs, one-year revenue forecast, and inventory flow chart. Download here and plug in your numbers tonight.
FAQ
Do I need a resale certificate? If you buy wholesale or tax-exempt, yes. Check your state site; filing is often free.
How many flips before I need an LLC? No legal limit, but most pros switch once profits hit $500–$1 000/month for liability protection.
What about insurance? A $300/year general liability policy covers accidents during deliveries.
Can I hire help? Sure—start with 1099 part-time muscle for pickups. Track hours and issue a 1099-NEC at tax time.
Best bookkeeping method? Daily 5-minute habit: snap receipts, categorize, reconcile weekly.
Ready to go pro?
Download the business-plan PDF, set up that bank account, and list your next piece on Asherfield today. A real, profitable furniture flipping business is only a few smart steps away—start now, pick solid wood tomorrow, and watch your brand (and income) grow.
Tip: Start as a sole prop, switch to an LLC once monthly profit tops $500. Many states let you file online in 10 minutes. For more detailed information on setting up your business structure, check out the SBA’s 10 Steps to Start Your Business.
