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How to flip furniture for profit

Ever wonder if you could flip furniture for profit and turn that old piece into cash? Good news: you can! Flipping furniture means buying or finding used pieces and reselling furniture for more money. It’s a fun way to make extra cash, and it helps good furniture find a new home instead of going to the dump. In this guide, we’ll show you how to flip furniture for profit from start to finish. You’ll also see how Asherfield – a new furniture selling website – makes it easy for you to succeed at furniture flipping.

Why flip furniture for profit?

  • Make extra money: How to make money flipping furniture is simple – buy low, then sell for more. You can earn side income or even start a small business this way.
  • Save the planet: Each time you sell a used couch or dresser, you keep it out of a landfill. You also give that item a second life.
  • Low cost to start: You don’t need a lot of money to begin. You can start with a single cheap find. Many ask “is flipping furniture profitable?” The answer is yes – even one $50 dresser can be cleaned up and sold for $150 or more.
  • Fun and creative: Flipping can feel like a treasure hunt. You find gems, fix them up, and find them a happy new owner. It’s a hobby that can pay you, which makes it extra enjoyable.

How to start flipping furniture

Getting started is easy. Here is an A-to-Z guide on how to start flipping furniture:

  1. Find a piece to flip: Look for cheap or free furniture. You can check thrift stores, garage sales, or online listings like Craigslist. Sometimes people give away items at the curb. Start with something small and simple, like a side table or chair.
  2. Check its condition: Before you buy or pick it up, make sure the piece is sturdy. Minor scratches or loose screws are fine – those are easy fixes. Avoid anything with heavy damage (like broken frames or bad mold) until you gain more experience.
  3. Clean and fix it up: A good cleaning can make a huge difference. Wipe off dirt and dust. Tighten screws or hammer in loose nails. If you want, refinish or repaint the furniture to make it look new. Is refinishing furniture profitable? Often yes, because a fresh coat of paint or new knobs can make an old item look modern. Just be careful to keep costs low. If a piece looks pretty good already, a simple cleaning might be enough. (This is also called refurbishing furniture – and yes, refurbishing furniture can be profitable when it adds value!)
  4. Price it right: Decide on a selling price. A common method is to aim for about 2–3 times what you paid, or base it on similar items for sale. For example, if you got a table for $20 and spent $10 on paint, selling it for $80-$100 could be reasonable. You want a profit but you also want a price that buyers will pay.
  5. Take great photos: Good pictures help sell your furniture fast. Place the item in good light (near a window or even outside on a clear day). Take clear photos from different angles. Show close-ups of details or any cool features. If there are small flaws, it’s honest to show those too. A clean, uncluttered background (like a plain wall) makes your piece look its best.
  6. Create a listing to sell: Now it’s time to list your item for sale online. You can use websites like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. But an even easier way is to use Asherfield, a website made for furniture flippers. Where you sell can make a big difference in your success. Asherfield helps you get buyers quickly – and with less trouble. We’ll explain more about Asherfield in the next sections.

Following these steps, you can start flipping furniture with almost no upfront money. Many people have done this as a weekend hobby or side job. It can even grow into a bigger venture once you get the hang of it!

Is furniture flipping profitable?

Yes, furniture flipping for profit can be very profitable. It depends on your effort and strategy. If you find good deals and present items nicely, you can regularly make a profit on each piece. Some folks even turn it into a steady business. You might wonder, “can you make money flipping furniture as a serious income?” Absolutely. Many dedicated flippers earn hundreds or thousands of dollars a month. There are even stories of people who turned a few hundred dollars into almost $1 million by flipping furniture (Furniture Flipping 101 How to Make Huge Profit Flipping … – YouTube). (That’s rare, but it shows the potential!)

The key is to buy low, add value (through cleaning or refinishing), and sell at a price that people are happy to pay. Each successful flip builds your skills and reputation. Over time, you learn which items sell best and how to work faster. So yes, is flipping furniture profitable? It can be – especially when you use smart tools and platforms to help you sell.

Where to sell your flipped furniture

When your piece is ready to sell, the next question is where to sell it. You have a few options, each with pros and cons:

  • Online marketplaces (DIY): Websites like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace let you post for free. You deal directly with buyers. Pros: Big audience, no listing fees. Cons: You might get a lot of casual inquiries like “Is this still available?” and some no-shows. You have to arrange meetups yourself, and safety can be a concern when meeting strangers.
  • Traditional consignment stores: These are local shops that sell your furniture for you. You typically bring the item to the store, and they display it. When it sells, the store keeps a percentage (commission) and pays you the rest later. Pros: They handle showing the item to customers and the sales transaction. Cons: They often take a large cut – consignment shops usually keep around 40% of the sale price (How does furniture consignment work? – Asherfield). In many cases, the commission can be even higher, around 50% or more (Sell your furniture in Philadelphia & keep 70% – Asherfield). That means less money for you. You also might wait weeks or months for your item to sell and to get paid.
  • Yard sales or flea markets: You could sell at a garage sale or rent a booth at a flea market. Pros: Simple setup for selling a few low-cost items. Cons: Limited reach (only people who pass by see it), and buyers at yard sales expect very cheap prices, which can cut into your profit.
  • Asherfield (best of both worlds): Asherfield is an online marketplace specifically for selling furniture locally. It’s designed to remove the common hassles of DIY selling. Pros: You set your price and list from home, like other online sites, but Asherfield handles the hard parts (like dealing with flaky buyers) for you. It connects you with serious local buyers. There’s no upfront cost to list, and it has a special system (a deposit from buyers) to make sure your buyers are committed. Cons: Asherfield does take a small fee when your item sells (more on that below), but it’s much less than most consignment stores.

Selling on Asherfield vs traditional consignment

Let’s compare Asherfield with a typical consignment furniture store:

AspectAsherfieldConsignment store
Fees/CommissionKeeps a 30% deposit as the fee (you keep 70%).Takes about 40-60% commission (Sell your furniture in Philadelphia & keep 70% – Asherfield) (you keep ~40-60%).
Getting PaidYou get paid fast – the buyer pays you 70% at pickup/delivery.Wait for the store to sell it, then wait weeks for your check.
Listing ConvenienceList online from your home in minutes.Bring your furniture to the store; they decide how to display it.
Control over PriceYou set your own price. You can edit it anytime.Store often suggests price, and may mark down (lower the price) if it doesn’t sell in a set time.
Local ReachBuyers in your city see your listing online.Shoppers must come into the store to see your item.

As you can see, selling on Asherfield lets you keep more of the profit and gives you faster payments. You also don’t have the trouble of transporting your furniture to a shop and leaving it there for months. With Asherfield, you stay in control of your listing while gaining access to serious buyers in your area.

How Asherfield works (step by step)

Asherfield is built to make flipping furniture for a profit easier for you. Here’s how Asherfield works, from listing an item to getting paid:

  1. Sign up for free: Go to Asherfield.com and create a free seller account. There’s no cost to join and no upfront charges.
  2. List your furniture: Click “List an item” and fill in the details. Upload the photos of your piece, write a short description, and set your price. (Tip: be honest and clear in your description. If a chair has a scratch, mention it. Being honest builds trust.)
  3. Buyer pays a deposit: When a buyer wants your item, they pay a 30% deposit through Asherfield to reserve it. This deposit shows they are serious. Once the deposit is paid, your item is marked as “sold” (pending pickup) for that buyer.
  4. Arrange pickup or delivery: You and the buyer communicate (through the site or messaging) to decide on a pickup time and location. You can offer to deliver if you want, or you can have the buyer come to you. (Offering delivery can help an item sell faster, but it’s up to you.)
  5. Get paid the rest (fast): When you meet the buyer, they pay you the remaining 70% of the price on the spot. This can be in cash, via a payment app like Venmo, or whichever method you both prefer. As soon as the buyer has their furniture and you have your money, the sale is done! Asherfield already collected the 30% deposit as its fee, so you don’t owe Asherfield anything more. No hidden fees. You got your profit, and the buyer got their item.

With these steps, Asherfield takes care of the hardest parts of selling (finding a serious buyer and handling payments securely). You just need to list the item and meet the buyer to hand it off. There’s no waiting for a check in the mail or worrying about no-shows – the deposit system means buyers show up because they have “skin in the game.”

Asherfield selling plans: Starter, Growth, Elite

Whether you’re a casual seller or want to flip furniture as a business, Asherfield has a plan for you. There are three selling plans on Asherfield, each with its own perks:

Starter plan (Beginner-friendly)

  • Cost: $0 monthly fee. It’s free to start.
  • How you pay: Asherfield simply keeps the 30% buyer deposit on each sale (so you keep 70% as usual).
  • Who it’s for: Anyone just starting out or flipping furniture occasionally. If you have just a few items to sell, this plan lets you try Asherfield with no commitment.
  • Benefits: No upfront cost at all. You only pay the service fee when your item sells. It’s a great way to test the waters of furniture flipping without any risk.

Growth plan (Early Bird special)

  • Cost: A monthly subscription fee (currently at an Early Bird rate, which is a discounted price for a limited time).
  • How you pay: Because you subscribe, your per-sale fees might be lower. For example, the Growth plan could offer a smaller commission on each sale or other money-saving benefits (exact details will be provided when you sign up).
  • Who it’s for: People who are flipping furniture regularly or treating it as a serious side hustle. If you’re selling multiple pieces each month, this plan is designed to help you make more profit overall.
  • Benefits: Likely lower fees per sale than the Starter plan, priority listing placement (so more buyers see your item), and possibly additional tools or support to help you grow. Early Bird rates mean you can join this plan now at a lower price than normal, but these special rates won’t last forever.

Elite plan (Early Bird special)

  • Cost: A higher-tier monthly subscription (also at a limited-time Early Bird rate for now).
  • How you pay: With the subscription, you get the maximum benefits and the lowest per-sale fees. The Elite plan might even include extra features at no extra charge.
  • Who it’s for: People who sell a lot of furniture, professional flippers, or even small businesses. If you plan to flip furniture at scale (for example, running a full furniture flipping business), the Elite plan is your best bet.
  • Benefits: Lowest commission taken by Asherfield (meaning you keep the highest percentage of each sale). Your listings may get top exposure on the site. You might even receive one-on-one help from the Asherfield team if you need it. And during the Early Bird period, you pay a reduced subscription fee, which saves you money as you build your business.

Early Bird rates for the Growth and Elite plans are special starting prices for early users. Asherfield is offering these discounts to early adopters, but they won’t last long. This is a great opportunity to lock in a lower price and enjoy premium features if you plan to flip a lot of furniture. Remember, you can always start with the Starter plan and upgrade as you grow.

Tips for creating better listings

To flip furniture for profit successfully, you need your listings to attract buyers. Here are some actionable tips to create better listings and sell faster:

  • Use clear, bright photos: Take pictures during the day with plenty of light. Show the item from all sides. Include close-ups of details or any blemishes. Good photos make your listing stand out.
  • Write a simple, honest description: Describe the item in plain words a third-grader could understand. For example: “Solid wood coffee table with two drawers. Gently used condition. A few small scratches on the top, but still looks nice.” Mention dimensions (measure the height, width, depth) so buyers know if it fits their space. Being upfront about flaws builds trust.
  • Set a fair price: We talked about pricing above – research similar items so you don’t overprice or underprice. On Asherfield, you can always adjust the price later if needed. A fair price gets more interest and still gives you a good profit.
  • Highlight any improvements: If you refinished or painted the piece, say so! For example: “Repainted white and added new knobs.” Buyers love knowing the item has been cared for or upgraded.
  • Offer delivery or help with transport: Many buyers don’t have a big vehicle. If you can deliver the item (or even help them load it into their car), mention that in your listing. “Delivery available” is a big plus that can lead to a quicker sale.
  • Be responsive and polite: Once your listing is up, respond quickly to messages from potential buyers. On Asherfield, you’ll mostly get notifications of deposit payments rather than endless questions, but if someone does ask something, answering promptly can make the difference. Friendly communication makes buyers trust you and feel confident about the purchase.

Using these tips, your listings will look professional and inviting, even though you’re writing them in a relaxed, down-to-earth way. This means more clicks and faster sales.

Frequently asked questions

  1. Is flipping furniture profitable?
    Yes, flipping furniture can be very profitable if you do it smartly. You make money by selling an item for more than you paid. For example, buy a dresser for $50, clean it up, sell for $150 – that’s a $100 profit. By repeating this process, many people earn a steady income. The key is to choose items that people want and improve them if needed so you can increase their value.
  2. Can you make money flipping furniture as a beginner?
    Absolutely. You don’t need to be an expert to start. You can begin with one or two pieces and learn as you go. Each sale teaches you what buyers like. Some beginners start with a single find and gradually turn it into a larger operation. As long as you buy low and sell higher, you will make money. Plus, Asherfield’s no upfront cost service means you keep most of the profit (70% on each item) and only pay a fee when you succeed in selling.
  3. Is refinishing furniture profitable?
    Often, yes. Refinishing or repainting furniture can increase its value. A worn-out dresser might not sell for much, but if you sand it and paint it nicely, it can look like new and sell for a higher price. Just watch your expenses: use affordable materials and don’t spend more on the makeover than you can get back in the sale. Many flippers find that a bit of paint and creativity can turn a cheap piece into a stylish treasure, making the effort very profitable.
  4. Is refurbishing furniture profitable?
    Yes, refurbishing (which means fixing up) furniture is profitable when it makes the item more useful or attractive. For instance, fixing a wobbly table leg and oiling the wood can make an old table sturdy and beautiful again. If you got the table for free or cheap, that small fix can greatly increase what a buyer will pay. The profit comes from the added value your repair or touch-up provides.
  5. How does Asherfield make sure buyers show up?
    Asherfield uses the 30% deposit system. When buyers have to put down money to hold the item, they are unlikely to disappear or back out. If they cancel without a good reason, they stand to lose their deposit. This means almost every sale on Asherfield is completed by a serious buyer. As a seller, this saves you from wasting time on no-shows. It’s a big advantage over other platforms where buyers sometimes change their mind at the last minute.
  6. What if my item doesn’t sell?
    If a few weeks pass and your furniture hasn’t sold, don’t worry. You can try a few things: update your listing (maybe better pictures or a lower price), share the listing on social media for more visibility, or try re-posting at a later time. Demand can change seasonally – for example, college students might buy furniture at the start of a semester. The good news is Asherfield listings cost you nothing upfront, so you can leave the listing active as long as you want. You might also consider switching plans (from Starter to Growth) if you have many items, to get more exposure for your listings.
  7. How to make 1 million dollars flipping furniture for profit?
    Making $1 million from flipping furniture is an ambitious goal, but some people aim high! To reach that level, you’d need to flip a lot of furniture and treat it like a full business. This means constantly finding quality pieces, possibly hiring help or getting a workshop, and using the money you earn to buy more pieces to flip. Some expert flippers scale up by focusing on higher-end pieces that sell for hundreds or thousands each. It’s not a quick or easy path, but with time and dedication, furniture flipping for profit can grow from a small side gig into a six-figure (or even seven-figure) venture. The key is doing more, working smart, and using a good website to sell (that’s where Asherfield comes in handy as you grow).
  8. How to start a furniture flipping business?
    Starting a furniture flipping business is just taking your hobby to the next level. Begin by making a simple plan: How will you find furniture regularly? Where will you store and work on it? How much money do you need for supplies or maybe a larger vehicle to haul pieces? Start small and keep track of your buys and sales. As you see profits, you can formalize things more (some people register a business name or create a social media page to showcase their flips). Most importantly, use a reliable selling platform. Asherfield can be your go-to marketplace from day one, and you can scale up by upgrading from the Starter plan to Growth or Elite as your volume increases. With the right approach, what starts as a one-person project can become a real business over time.
  9. Are there any upfront costs or listing fees on Asherfield?
    No. Asherfield does not charge you to list an item. You can create as many listings as you want for free. The only time Asherfield gets paid is when you get paid (when your item sells). The fee is the 30% deposit from the buyer. This means if your item doesn’t sell, you don’t lose any money – it just stays listed until a buyer comes along. There are also no subscription fees on the Starter plan, so it’s truly no-cost to try it out.
  10. How fast will I get my money?
    Very fast – basically right when you hand off the item. Because the buyer gives you the remaining 70% in person at pickup, you don’t have to wait for a payment from Asherfield. For example, compare this to consignment: a store might pay you at the end of the month or only after the item has been on the showroom floor for 90 days. With Asherfield, as soon as your furniture is picked up, you have most of your cash in hand. The 30% deposit paid online is kept by Asherfield as the fee, so you keep the rest. No waiting, no chasing down checks.

Conclusion: Ready to flip for profit with Asherfield?

Flipping furniture is one of those rare chances to make money while having fun and doing good (by recycling items). Now that you know how to start flipping furniture, why not give it a try? Asherfield is here to help you every step of the way. We built Asherfield to make selling used furniture simple, safe, and rewarding for you.

Ready to start your furniture flipping journey? It only takes a few minutes to sign up on Asherfield and list your first item. Remember, it costs nothing to start. If you have an old piece sitting around, this is the perfect time to try Asherfield. You can also grab the Early Bird pricing on our Growth and Elite plans. Those special rates won’t be around forever, so jump in now to secure the best deal for your growing side business.

Join Asherfield today, and turn that dusty dresser or old coffee table into real profit. Happy flipping, and we can’t wait to see you succeed!

(How does furniture consignment work? – Asherfield) (Sell your furniture in Philadelphia & keep 70% – Asherfield)

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