
Wondering how to price a used couch? You’re not alone. A fair price makes your sofa sell quicker, keeps buyers happy, and puts more money in your pocket. In this mini-guide we’ll cover the simple math, condition checks, and brand bumps that decide how much a used couch is worth—plus tips to list on Asherfield where you keep up to 85% of every sale.
(Need the bigger picture? Read our valuing furniture pillar guide. Want step-by-step math for any item? Check our how to price used furniture playbook.)
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1. Find the starting value
Age of couch | Starting % of retail | Example (original $1,000) |
---|---|---|
0 – 1 year old | 60 – 85% | $600 – $700 |
2 – 3 years | 45 – 55 % | $450 – $550 |
4 – 5 years | 30 – 40 % | $300 – $400 |
6 + years | 15 – 25 % | $150 – $250 |
Rule of thumb: sofas lose about 20 % value in the first year and 5 – 7 % per year after.
Shortcut: No receipt? Google your couch model (“IKEA Ektorp sofa original price”) or find a similar one online.
2. Check condition for bumps or cuts
Condition | Move price… |
---|---|
Excellent – looks new, no stains, cushions firm | +10 % |
Good – minor wear, no smells | list price |
Fair – light stains, pilling, slight sag | –15 % |
Poor – rips, big stains, broken springs | –15% or donate |
Clean fabric and tighten legs first—$10 in cleaner can raise value by $50.
3. Add brand and style premiums
- High-end makers (Restoration Hardware, Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn) → +15 %.
- Sectionals and reclining sofas hold value better than loveseats → +10 %.
- Leather lasts longer than fabric → bump +10 % when scratch-free.
- In-style looks (mid-century, modular) sell above average. Overstuffed floral prints? Discount 10 %.
4. Set your “move-now” number
- Start at the table price.
- Adjust for condition and brand.
- Decide urgency:
- Need it gone this week? Drop 10 %.
- Can wait two weeks? List at full calculated price. If no bites, trim 5 %.
5. Real-world resale snapshots
Sofa | Age | Sold price | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
IKEA Kivik 4-seat | 3 yrs | $475 | Listed $500, free delivery sealed deal. |
West Elm Harmony | 1 yr | $1,150 | Retail $1,900; leather, no scratches. |
Ashley recliner sofa | 5 yrs | $300 | Pickup only, dropped $25 after 10 days. |
Vintage mid-century | 40 yrs | $1,200 | Re-upholstered; rarity raised price. |
(Prices pulled from recent Asherfield and local sales.)
6. Tips to sell your couch faster
- Offer delivery – add $50\$50$50 into price; buyers love convenience.
- Stage & photograph – bright daylight, cushions fluffed, room tidy.
- Be upfront about flaws – honesty builds trust, avoids returns.
- Respond fast – quick replies close deals; Asherfield messages keep info in one place.
FAQs
How much is my couch worth if it has a stain?
Subtract around 15 % unless you deep-clean it first. A spotless sofa always nets more.
Should I re-upholster before selling?
Only if fabric is badly damaged and cost to re-cover is less than the price boost (get quotes first).
Is free delivery worth it?
Yes—delivery can cut selling time in half. Raise price slightly to cover gas.
Where should I list?
List free on Asherfield—buyers pay a 15% deposit, you keep 85% at hand-off, and no lowball spam.
Ready to list?
Run your numbers, snap clear photos, and post on Asherfield today. Serious local buyers, quick payouts, and you keep most of the money. List your couch now and watch it move!
For more expert tips and industry-standard pricing strategies, see this comprehensive guide to pricing used furniture from MoneyPantry, which covers everything from depreciation rates to real-world price ranges for sofas and other furniture3.