Flip to Fortune: How to Start a Profitable Furniture Flipping Business

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Hi, I’m Logan, a furniture-flipping entrepreneur. I teach others how to make money by flipping furniture. In my first month, I made over $1,500 with no prior experience. Today, I’m sharing the five essential things you need to know to start flipping furniture. Having tried nearly every side hustle out there, I can tell you this is the fastest to start and requires the least time to begin earning. Flipping furniture involves finding unwanted pieces, refurbishing them, and selling them online for a profit. Whether you’re looking for a side hustle or want to quit your job like I did, here’s everything you need to get started.

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1. Transportation

You’ll need a way to transport furniture. There are two options:

• Own a vehicle: I use my truck to haul furniture, which saves money.

• Outsource transportation: Use services like TaskRabbit or hire someone on Facebook Marketplace for a small fee. Outsourcing saves on gas and time, letting you focus on refurbishing or sourcing more pieces.

2. Tools

You’ll need a few basic tools to start. Here’s what I recommend:

• Internet access: Essential for listing on platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. Use your computer or free library internet if needed.

• For upholstery (chairs/sofas): A good vacuum, like the Bissell upholstery vacuum ($155), is crucial for cleaning stains and odors.

• For wood furniture (dressers, tables): Get paint, paintbrushes, sandpaper (120 and 220 grit), spray paint, sealer, plastic wood, and a Phillips head screwdriver.

  • Pro tip: Buy discounted paint at Home Depot or Lowe’s (around $10/gallon) to save money. Look for paint with primer included to avoid extra costs ($35 for primer). Use short-handled brushes for control, and consider a foam roller for larger pieces later.

  • Sandpaper: Start with hand sandpaper; upgrade to an orbital sander when you can.

You can start flipping upholstered furniture for just $155 (vacuum cost) or both upholstered and wood furniture for about $231.99, depending on your budget.

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3. Storage

You’ll need a place to store and work on furniture.

• Personal space: Use a garage or spare room if you have one.

• Storage unit: I live in a 1,000 sq ft apartment, so I rent a drive-up storage unit with 24-hour access for $279/month. It’s a big expense but speeds up the process by providing a dedicated workspace. Look for units that allow painting and sanding. Stay tuned for a future guide on choosing the right storage unit.

4. Staging

Staging makes your furniture more appealing to buyers. Avoid photos in front of storage units or cluttered spaces. Instead:

• Create a clean backdrop: Use a blank wall or clear space in your home. I use my apartment’s tall ceilings and white walls, adding trinkets or pillows to enhance the look.

• Storage unit staging: I built a fake wall using three Home Depot wall panels and four 8’ 2x4s for a clean, white pine backdrop. Use natural light from windows or an open storage unit door for better photos. A good phone camera works fine with proper lighting.

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5. Facebook Account

Facebook Marketplace is where most of my sales happen. To succeed:

• High-quality photos: Use the staging tips above for professional-looking images.

• Clear descriptions: Note any blemishes, dents, or markings.

• Catchy titles: Make listings stand out.

• Friendly communication: Stay polite, even if buyers are pushy, to close sales.

Now you know the five essentials to start flipping furniture! Subscribe for more tips and guides on making money in this exciting side hustle.

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