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Ever stumbled upon a gorgeous piece of furniture at a charity shop, but it looked slightly worse-for-wear condition?
Or maybe in your own attic you found an old piece of forgotten furniture?
Unleash your inner creativepreneur, because it's time to refurbish and resell furniture!
Did you know that only is it a sustainable way to give pre-loved furniture a second chance, but it can also be a lucrative side hustle or even a full-blown business.
Plus, it's incredibly rewarding to see a tired piece transformed into a stunning statement item.
So, how do you get started on this eco-friendly and potentially profitable side hustle?
Finding the right pieces
Treasure hunting:
Charity shops - British Heart Foundation and Salvation Army
Car boot sales - haggling is perfectly acceptable,
Online marketplaces - Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace
Keep an eye out for sturdy pieces with a good structure – even minor cosmetic damage can be fixed with a little TLC.
Set a budget and stick to it: Don't overspend on your finds, as restoration costs should be factored in.
Prioritise quality over quantity: Choose pieces with sturdy construction and timeless styles that appeal to you and a wider audience.
The Makeover
This is the part that everyone worries about, the actual makeover but don't worry, you don't need to be a master carpenter. Basic DIY skills like sanding, painting, and reupholstering will go a long way.
You will find that YouTube tutorials are going to be your best friend, and there are plenty of videos out there to help you with any project. A few channels to check out are:
Assess the damage: Be honest about repairs needed, from loose joints to upholstery tears, what needs replacing. Remember to factor in the time and cost of repairs when pricing your final product.
Cleanse and condition: Give your piece a thorough scrub with appropriate cleaning solutions. Nourish wood with oils or waxes to bring back its natural shine.
The power of paint: A fresh coat of paint can work wonders! Choose colours and finishes that are trendy and versatile. Don't be afraid to experiment with techniques like distressing or stencilling. Here are a few paintings just for furniture:
Hardware refresh: Replace outdated knobs, pulls, and casters for an instant style upgrade. You'd be surprised what a difference new hardware can make!
Listing your furniture to sell tips
Dazzle with Photos:
Good lighting: Capture high-quality photos in a bright, inviting space from different angles, so people get to see the full picture of the piece.
Highlight features: You want to highlight the piece's unique details and how it can transform a room. Think before-and-after shots, styled vignettes, and close-ups of intricate craftsmanship.
Descriptions that entice:
Details matter: Specify every inch! Dimensions, materials, and any repairs should be clearly listed. It will help save time with people asking you about dimensions when they're planning where it can go in their home.
Speak your audience's language: Use keywords they'll search for, whether it's "mid-century modern" or "rustic farmhouse chic." include them in your listing. It will help when you promote it on social media or on a website of your own.
Price properly:
Do your research: Find similar pieces to set a fair price that reflects your materials, time investment, and desired profit.
Be strategic: Consider offering discounts for limited times, discounts for first time buyers or bundles to incentivize buyers. Remember, the right price attracts the right buyer!
Bonus Tips:
Target a niche: Focus on a specific style or type of furniture to attract a dedicated customer base.
Embrace social media: Showcase your work on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest to build your brand and reach potential customers.
Network with other resellers and vintage enthusiasts: Collaborate, share tips, and learn from each other's experiences.
With patience, creativity, and a dash of business savvy, you can turn pre-loved pieces into treasures that find new homes and bring joy to others.
So, grab your tools, unleash your inner artist, and get ready to breathe new life into old furniture!
Now go forth and refurbish, resell, and make the world a more sustainable and stylish place!
Additional reading materials: (for all those book lovers out there)
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