How to flip furniture starts with finding a solid piece cheap, fixing it fast, and selling for a tidy profit. New to the game? Read our furniture flipping guide first—it shows the full process in one place.
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Step 1 – Source smart
| Quick win | How to do it | Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Thrift half-off days | Ask staff which weekday they slash tags; be at the door at opening. | Goodwill insiders say weekly colored-tag sales cut furniture to 50 %+ off The US Sun |
| Curb alerts & “Free” tabs | Scan Facebook “Free Stuff/Curb Alert” groups the night before bulk-trash pickup. | Flippers on Reddit show $9k/month profit from free curb finds Reddit |
| Estate-sale last hours | Arrive the final hour; prices often drop 50 % or more on solid-wood pieces. | Beginner-friendly estate-sale guide confirms deep end-of-sale discounts Honestly Modern |
Why it matters – Free or half-price sourcing sets you up for the 40-60 % profit margin pros aim for. Furniture RefreshedYahoo Finance
Step 2 – Inspect before you pay
- Check joints & sniff for mold—swollen particleboard is a hard pass. The Spruce
- Look for maker labels (e.g., Herman Miller) that pull bigger resale prices.
Step 3 – Clean & prep
- Vacuum seams, then sprinkle baking soda; wait 20 minutes and vacuum again to pull odors.
- Sand in three quick passes—80 → 120 → 220 grit—for paint to stick. My Creative Days
Step 4 – Repair & refinish
- Tighten loose legs with a cordless drill; swap $8 knobs to lift value $25+.
- Prime + two thin coats of paint, sanding lightly between, yields a pro look that sells faster.
Step 5 – Photograph like a pro
- Shoot in daylight against a plain wall; capture four angles plus a “hero” shot.
- Stage with simple props—flippers who style pieces cut sell-time to under a week. The Flip Hubb
Step 6 – Price for profit
- Use this formula: Your asking price − (buy + supplies + delivery + fees) = profit. Aim for 40-60 % margin. Furniture RefreshedHaven House Thrift Stores
- Mid-century and farmhouse pieces still command premium mark-ups in 2025. Yahoo Finance
List your first flip on Asherfield—keep 85 % of the sale →
It’s free, fast, and reaches local buyers today.
Step 7 – List & deliver
- List on Asherfield and keep 85 %—far higher than many marketplaces.
- Offer $20-40 local delivery or partner with gig apps to remove buyer friction. Jungle Scout
- Typical flip sells in 5-7 days when photos and price align with local comps.
FAQs
How much can a beginner make flipping furniture?
Beginner flippers regularly report $100-$300 profit per item and $1k-$1.5k per month part-time. YouTubeThe Sun
Which pieces sell the fastest?
Mid-century dressers, farmhouse coffee tables, and solid-wood nightstands often move within a week. Yahoo Finance
What basic tools do I need?
Start with a palm sander, cordless drill, shop-vac, good brush, and mask—about $150 total. Architectural Digest
How do I remove couch odors safely?
Baking soda neutralizes smells; sprinkle, wait, then vacuum.
Where can I find free furniture?
Facebook “Free Stuff,” local Freecycle, and curb alerts on trash-day eve are goldmines. YouTubeReddit
Next steps
- Master sofa flips next. Open our couch-flipping guide for step-by-step tips on cleaning, pricing, and moving sofas fast.
- List your finished piece and keep 85 %. Post it on Asherfield today—local buyers see fresh listings first, so acting now can shave days off your sale window.
