If you’re wondering how to sell furniture, then you’ve arrived at your destination!
Selling furniture involves intricate steps, such as assessing its condition, taking photos of it, writing descriptions on product pages, listing it online or locally, setting a price, and the list goes on. Fret not, we unravel each one of them in detail.
We shall explore different ways to sell your furniture as an e-commerce merchant and as an independent seller (namely pre-owned sellers, vintage sellers, resellers, etc.)
Let’s kickstart!
Table of Contents
- For E-commerce Sellers: How To Sell Furniture Online
- Decide What Furniture You Want To Sell
- Finding Raw Materials & Manufacturers
- After you’ve decided on your niche, it’s time to gather raw materials and find carpenters/manufacturers. Let’s dive right into it.
- Secure a Warehouse for Storing Your Inventory
- Calculate your Margins & Set Competitive Prices
- Choose an Effective Pricing Strategy
- Pick the Best Platform to Sell Your Furniture Online
- Integrate with a Payment Processor
- Showcase your Furniture Listings
- Marketing & Advertising
- Quality Check of the Furniture
- Plan the Shipping & Delivery Process
- Independent Furniture Sellers: Local and Online Markets.
- Conclusion
- FAQs
For E-commerce Sellers: How To Sell Furniture Online
As a new e-commerce merchant, it can be overwhelming to understand where to start. Don’t worry; we have curated a proper process and strategy for you to easily implement your selling journey:
Decide What Furniture You Want To Sell
You must have read many times that you need to ‘understand your niche’ in order to sell furniture. Well, it is true. Knowing what type of furniture, market, people, etc., you want to sell to will make it easier to target your goals and implement strategies. In order to find your niche, you must:
- Understand your passion and where your expertise lies. Understand what you love about the furniture, such as design, luxury, finesse, process, parts, etc.
- Define your ideal customer. How do you wish to solve their problems, and who do you want to sell to?
- Create prototypes and designs of your furniture and test if they have the potential to be sold.
For example, if you want to cater to corporate sectors, you must focus on office chairs, cubicle tables, sofas, conference tables, etc.
When you decide on your niche, it is easier to provide the following to your customers:
- You can provide customizable solutions to your audience. You can offer them practical ways they can utilize your furniture.
Example: If you want to sell garden chairs, you must understand consumers’ pain points—will the chairs fade under the sun? Are they durable enough to withstand any weather? Are they lightweight? and more. - Price management becomes easier. Based on your consumers, you can create a budget that suits their needs and provides flexible pricing.
Example: If you specialize in restaurant furniture, it is important to understand the size of the restaurant – how will you create a pricing list for new cafes? How will you cater to big hospitality industries? What if you wish to cater to both audiences? Etc. - It is easier to focus on specific competitors. Learn about the trends, what customers like, and how you can improve your overall campaigns to be no.1.
Example: As a seller of baby furniture, you can analyze what materials your competitors are using for building a baby’s crib.
- Most importantly, you can track market trends and analyze your business’s future. This helps you understand where the major focus will be in the future, where you must invest, how to stay on track with the changing forecast, and how to prepare for anything that may arise.
Example: Smart furniture, robotic furniture, and sustainable furniture are in fad and have shown immense potential to grow in the future.
Finding Raw Materials & Manufacturers
After you’ve decided on your niche, it’s time to gather raw materials and find carpenters/manufacturers. Let’s dive right into it.
Raw Materials
Here’s how you can gather & find raw materials:
- For materials, find vendors who can source you with raw materials like different types of wood, steel, metal, alloy, fasteners, bolts, etc. This can be done by establishing a relationship with the raw material supplier.
- In order to find vendors/suppliers, look for them at online marketplaces (ThomasNet, Global sources, etc), networking through industrial associations, or participating in trade and vendor shows in your locality or other state.
- Understand the quality and material. Identify & decipher between wood, plastic, alloy, brass, iron, etc.
- Material is decided based on the type of furniture you are selling.
- Create logs and inventory to store the raw materials.
- As a low budget seller, you can also find raw materials from Facebook Marketplace.
Manufacturers
Manufacturers can also be vendors who source raw materials. You can find them on:
- Reputable online marketplaces
- Networking within the niche of your furniture industry
- Finding reliable manufacturing companies online – Century Furniture, Kimball International, Bernhardt Furniture, etc.
- Participate in furniture fairs, events and shows
Here are the different types of manufacturers you can get for your business:
- Dropshipping Manufacturers: You can find manufacturers who dropship furniture, meaning they produce and sell furniture on your behalf, without you having to hold the inventory. They deliver the furniture to the customer’s doorstep while you look after the online front of the store.
- Wholesale Manufacturers: They produce furniture in bulk, and use large-scale machinery to process and create furniture. They also look after the inventory and store furniture in warehouses. They can also directly deliver products to the customers.
- Custom Manufactures: These manufacturers create furniture pieces based on customers’ preferences and requirements.
- In-house carpenters: You can hire your personal team who create designs and pieces based on your liking or customers’ liking (like the custom manufacturer).
The difference between a custom manufacturer and an in-house carpenter is that custom manufacturers can be your personal team or outsourced, while in-house carpenters are your team.
Secure a Warehouse for Storing Your Inventory
When you have your manufacturing team ready, you can look for a warehousing system. Keep in mind in the previous section, we discussed how certain types of manufacturers offer inventory storage.
If you wish to have your own warehouse or want to know what kind of warehouse is suitable for your business, learn what’s important:
Suitable Warehouses
A warehouse must have the following suitable considerations:
- Location: This plays a key role when it comes to delivering furniture to your customers. How far is the warehouse from the city? Does the vicinity have good transportation parking? Does the location suffice the shipping costs? Is it easy to ship to the destination? These are a few factors you must consider.
- Temperature: Keeping furniture in good condition also includes keeping it in suitable temperatures with proper humidity levels, low mold levels, and proper ventilation to prevent moisture from building up.
- Spacing: The warehouse must have enough space to store all the furniture in stock. Make sure furniture is easy to load, shelves are accessible & utilized, and you have proper storage systems in place.
- Hygiene: Look into the cleanliness to avoid dust collection and pest infestation.
Type of Warehouses
Next up, understand different types of warehouses that are suitable for your business:
- Private Warehouses: These warehouses are looked after by the furniture business in order to have full control over the inventory. This is a good option for well-established businesses as it can be expensive to manage it.
- Public Warehouses: It is the opposite of private warehouses. Instead of owning, businesses can store their furniture at a third-party provider. It is suitable for small to medium-sized businesses as it is cost-effective.
- Smart Warehouses: These warehouses use automated systems such as AI (artificial intelligence) for inventory management. This is suitable for businesses that are looking to improve the efficiency and scalability of their business, such as e-commerce merchants and retailers.
- On-demand Warehouses: These mean you can rent a space on an “as-needed” basis. They are suitable for those looking for huge capacity and adaptable management. Keep in mind, businesses opting for such warehouses do not have to have a long-term contract with the on-demand warehousing company.
- Fulfillment Centers: These are somewhat different from mainstream warehouses as they focus on getting the products shipped quickly from the storage units. They also have the provision of getting your furniture packed, picked and shipped to the consumers. It is perfect for all kinds of online businesses.
For example, if you’re selling in a marketplace like Amazon, then you must try their Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) program, which offers to pack, ship and deliver your goods to the customer. - Cooperative Warehouses: As the name suggests, cooperative warehouses allow shared storage between multiple businesses with a similar niche. This is different from the common way of storing inventory in a warehouse. They are cost-effective and make a good choice for new and small businesses.
Calculate your Margins & Set Competitive Prices
Now, let’s delve into the process of understanding and calculating margins and setting competitive prices for your online business. First, understand all terminologies:
Understand All Associated Costs
Here are the terms you must get familiar with before we understand the profit margins and lay out a pricing strategy:
- Operating Expenses (OPEX) – In simple terms, operating expenses are the expenses that a business has to pay on a regular basis to different entities, such as salary, rent, ads & marketing, maintenance, etc. These expenses are exclusive of the cost of goods sold (COGS) and buying furniture material.
- Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) – These entail the sum of all the direct costs of raw materials for furniture, manufacturing them, etc.
- Taxes & Duties – As a furniture business, you must consider the sales tax, customs duty (if shipping internationally), import duties, and fees levied by the government.
- Transaction Fees – It is the additional charges a business has to pay to their subscribed payment processor like a bank, e-commerce platforms, credit card companies or payment gateways.
Calculating Profit Margins
Profit margins help businesses analyze their overall budget, how well their brand can manage its finances, and how far it can go. We will focus on two profit margins and explain how to calculate them.
These two profit margins are the most important ones, as they help you understand your financial standing and also help price the goods:
Gross Profit Margin
It is the percentage value of the revenue generated that exceeds COGS or Cost of Goods Sold.
Net Profit Margin
It is the percentage value of a business’s net profit (income/revenue). It essentially means the total revenue generated after the expenses are not counted. These expenses may contain taxes, interests, additional charges, operational costs, etc.
Analyze Competitor Pricing
Analyzing competitor pricing is key to setting pricing on products. It helps you manage profits and provide pocket-friendly options to your potential customers.
Here are a few things you can do:
- Market Research
Researching the market gives you a clear insight into demand and what value is suitable for customers. Then, set a pricing strategy based on what the customers are willing to pay. Here’s how to do it –
- Understand the demand for the type of furniture.
- Explore competitors and understand their pricing strategies, models, advertising strategies, etc.
- Keep tabs on the market trends through news, Google Trends, Statista or online marketplaces like Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, Etsy, etc.
- Understand your target audience and their interests. Evaluate their demographics, online presence, where do they purchase their furniture the most, etc.
Market research helps in understanding the target audience segments. Based on the target audience, you can decipher between luxury buyers and budget buyers. You can create competitive, premium, or budget pricing based on the buyer type.
Also, it is easier to offer discounts and sales when there is a festival or a seasonal trend.
- Value Proposition
Value proposition plays a key role in informing your potential buyers why you are better than your competitors. This can be done by highlighting the quality of your furniture, unique & stylish designs they have, their price range, reviews from other customers, and more.
To gain an edge, focus on solving the buyers’ pain points—does your product solve their problem? Do the buyers feel seen? How will it benefit them? Etc.
Market your goods in such a way that they opt for your brand for purchasing.
For example, if you want to stand out, consider writing a good product title in the listing that encapsulates all the major aspects of your product, like in this image from Amazon:
Choose an Effective Pricing Strategy
Once you have made all the deductions and analyzed the market and your competitors, you can choose a pricing strategy that meets your business’s needs.
Let’s explore different pricing strategies in detail:
| Pricing Strategies | Meaning | Suitable For (Business Type) | For Example |
| Cost-Plus Pricing | Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) + % Profits | Small businesses | A chair set costs $200 to make, you sell it at $450 for 40% profit. |
| Competitive Pricing | Based on the pricing range of your competitors | All business types who want to keep tabs on the market | Your chairs are priced the same as others at $199. |
| Value-Based Pricing | Focus on customers’ preferences and pain points | Sellers who create high-quality, unique furniture | Handmade oak wood dining table priced at $1,600 |
| Premium Pricing | Luxurious sellers aiming to target high-end buyers | Premium sellers who deal in luxurious furniture collections | German rocking chair made with fine craftsmanship and teak wood at $4,500 |
| Budget Pricing | Budget-friendly that caters to everyone | Sellers providing pocket-friendly products | Ergonomic office chair at $99.99 |
Pick the Best Platform to Sell Your Furniture Online
As an e-commerce seller, it is very important to choose which e-commerce platform you want based on your budget, requirements, and target audience.
Let’s see that in detail:
| Platform | Pricing Plans | Effectiveness | Suitable for Business Types |
| Shopify | Basic: $39/month Shopify: $105/monthAdvanced: $399/month | It offers tools for creating an online store, payment processing, and inventory management, with various apps available to streamline product feed operations. | Small to large businesses who wish to scale their business. |
| Amazon | Individual: $0.99 per item sold Professional: $39.99/month | It has a massive customer pool but is highly competitive. | Perfect for all business types who are comfortable in a competitive environment. |
| Etsy | Listing Fee: $0.20 per itemTransaction Fee: 6.5% per sale | Ideal for handmade, vintage, and unique items sellers who have a niche audience. | Artisans, crafters, and small businesses focusing on unique or custom-made products. |
| 1stdibs.com | Commission-based (percentage varies) | For luxury products & has thorough checking of high-quality offerings. | High-end furniture and art dealers targeting premium customers. |
| Chairish | Commission-based (varies by item price) | Focus on vintage & designer furniture. Provides shipping assistance. | Sellers of upscale, vintage, or designer home furnishings. |
| Wayfair | Commission-based (percentage varies) | Specializes in home goods, with logistics support and a large customer base. | Established businesses with the capacity to meet high demand and maintain inventory levels. |
| AptDeco | Commission: 23% to 38% per sale | Focus on local furniture sales with pickup and delivery services. User-friendly interface. | Individuals and small businesses looking to sell furniture within local markets. |
| Best Buy | It varies (typically commission-based) | Expands into furniture too, apart from other home appliances. Very popular. | Established businesses with tech-related furniture or smart home products. |
| Google Product Listings | Free listings are available. Paid ads vary based on budget and bidding. | Increases product visibility through Google Shopping; requires effective SEO and competitive pricing. Very popular. | Businesses of all sizes who wish to boost their online presence and drive website traffic (organic or paid). |
| Target | It varies (invite-only) | Access to Target’s extensive customer base. Assures quality & has a vast customer base. | Established brands with proven track records and products that align with Target’s offerings. |
| Walmart | No setup or monthly fees. Referral fees vary by category. | Massive reach & popularity. Has competitive pricing & offers Walmart Fulfillment Services. | Established businesses capable of maintaining competitive pricing & meeting high supply demands. |
| Note: You can also use website builders which are independent of any e-commerce platform integration. This may require some frontend and coding knowledge. |
Integrate with a Payment Processor
Once your online store is set up, integrate your it with a payment processor. Payment processors bridge the gap between the seller and the buyer and make the purchasing & transaction processes smooth.
Here are some that you can try:
- Stripe
- PayPal
- Square
- Amazon Pay (For Amazon merchants)
- Shopify Payments (For Shopify merchants)
- Clover
- Stax
Showcase your Furniture Listings
It’s your time to shine! ✨
Now, you must display your furniture listings so that your potential customers can discover you. The key to doing this lies in Search Engine Optimization, which ensures your listings are on the top of search results (on Google, Bing, Yahoo, etc.) so that your product listings are easily discoverable. After you create a website or integrate an e-commerce platform,
Here’s how you to create a product listing:
- Add product information to the product page. The product page must contain product title, description, specifications such as heights, size weight, etc. & pricing.
- Add images to the product pages. Add multiple images in different angles, add alt text, check specifications.
- Advertise your product listings on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, etc., after you have set up your online store’s website.
- Manage the product inventory and add shipping details, stock availability, shipping policies, etc.
In order to enhance the visibility of your product listings, ensure you optimize the SEO aspect of the site. Here’s what you can do:
- Using relevant keywords that have high search volume and preferably low competition. Use keywords that your potential customers are using.
- Provide a positive user experience overall – from the landing page to checkout.
- Build credibility by adding backlinks from genuine sources.
- Ensure a good speed for page loading.
Here’s how you can implement it –
- Product Titles: Ensure your product titles capture every key information that is useful to the customer. They must contain valuable keywords that appear in search results (on search engines like Google).
Your product title shouldn’t be bleak or generic but very specific. Here’s an example:
Source: Ashley Furniture
- Product Descriptions: Every product description must provide deeper insight into the furniture’s features. Enhance the qualities by describing its unique points, size, shape, color, etc.
Even descriptions must carry valuable keywords that can boost your visibility online. In the example below, notice how the sellers have articulated every point about the furniture in detail in this Amazon listing:
- Images: The most simple yet something to be not overlooked. Images play a major role as they amp up a buyer’s purchasing decision. Visual feels give a secondhand experience, so ensure that you use-
– Well-lit images with minimum to zero background distractions. You can enhance the background for aesthetics but ensure it does not overpower your product.
– High-quality images that clearly show the furniture’s features.
– Alt text in images to boost search visibility.
– Standard image measurements based on the e-commerce platform’s requirements.
– Do not use pixelated or fake images that can have negative consequences.
Notice how Chairish has added the image in different angles for the complete feel:
We have only touched the tip of the iceberg with the optimization part. To ensure your reach is good, optimize your product pages on a regular basis but do not over-optimize.
Marketing & Advertising
Running ad campaigns for your furniture listings is crucial to gain traction. There are various platforms where you can run your ad campaigns and find your target audience –
Google Shopping Ads
These are also called product listing ads (PLAs). They are displayed when the user enters a search query, and Google displays ads related to the query. These ads can be images with product titles, prices, descriptions, etc.
It is the most common way to display your product listing as Google is the most popular search engine. In order to run these ads, you must set up Google Merchant Center account and then sync your product feed to it. Then you link your Google Ads account with the Merchant Center.
For example:
Meta Ads (Facebook & Instagram)
These ad campaigns appear on Facebook and Instagram. Meta provides a plethora of tools and features to efficiently run your ad campaigns. You can create and boost these ads based on your target audience.
Facebook offers an ad manager where you can create your ads from scratch and use Meta Business Suite to handle the overall ad management. It offers a suite of AI-powered ad campaigns called the Advantage+ suite, which immensely boosts your ad performance.
You can also market products on Instagram and run ad campaigns, create product tags that easily let Instagrammers access and purchase your furniture, and provide in-depth insights into the target audience’s behavior. Using Meta, one can even create a Facebook Shop and Instagram Shop, an in-app shopping experience offered by the platform.
Here’s an Instagram ad example:
Microsoft Advertising (Bing Shopping Ads)
Bing Shopping Ads, Microsoft Shopping campaigns or simply Product Ads, are a form of advertising offered by Microsoft Advertising. They display products in a visually engaging format with custom images, prices, titles, and the business’s name.
These ads offer an engaging experience by displaying products before customers click on the ad. They can appear alongside text ads, giving shoppers more chances to visit your site.
For example:
TikTok Ads
These ads appear between TikToks when the user is scrolling through them. Selling on TikTok becomes very simple, thanks to these ads. You can easily find and create a target audience. Based on the interested audience, you can also find lookalike audiences on TikTok to expand your reach.
Here’s a TikTok ad example with influencer marketing strategy:
Twitter (X) Ads
Twitter or X ads appear on the feed, making selling on Twitter an easy process. They can pop up between the sea of tweets and it is to create targeted ads for your interested audience.
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Pinterest Ads
If you want your furniture to be someone’s dream, Pinterest is the right spot for you. Pinterest ads are one of the best ways to advertise your furniture. It heavily depends on visual elements, and offers a quick way to drop your customers to your product pages. It is possible to market products when you use Pinterest for Business.
Here’s an example of Urban Outfitters using the platform for their ad campaign:
Quality Check of the Furniture
Inspecting the furniture for any flaws or damages can assure quality service and foster trust amongst your customers. Before you ship, ensure that you have run an effective quality check on the furniture.
In order to check the condition of the final product, we have curated a checklist that can help you check the condition of your furniture:
✅Check for splinters around the edges
✅Check for corrosion
✅Is your product termite-free
✅Packing visual check – check for bumps, tears, dirt or wrinkles
✅Does your packaging pass the shipping carton drop test and is the furniture secure inside it
✅Bar code scan test to check if the scans are readable
✅Storage check for mold, moisture, bad odor, and defects
✅Overall functionality check
✅Color specification check according to the specific Pantone colors
✅Dimension and measurement check
You can create your own checklist based on your requirements and specifications.
Plan the Shipping & Delivery Process
Time to deliver your furniture!
Once the order is placed, you need to pack the furniture. For that, ensure you have the following ready:
- Boxes, depending on the size of the furniture
- Wrapping papers/tissues/fillers/bubble wraps
- Stickers – fragile, up, down, etc.
- Taping material
- Shipping label – customer’s address, bar code, billing address, etc.
- Business cards and customized messages (optional)
| Even carriers like DHL, USPS, and UPS offer free packaging. |
Once wrapped and sealed airtight, drop the package into the warehouse or fulfillment center.
Now, you can opt for shipping services independently or use e-commerce platforms like Shopify that have tie-ups with delivery companies for both local and international shipping.
| Note: Ensure you are aware of the e-commerce shipping rates. Different shipping companies have different shipping rates. They mostly consider the following while calculating it – destination address, package weight, tracking, insurance, package size, and origin address. You can try the respective shipping companies’ calculators to track the shipping rates – USPS Shipping CalculatorUPS Shipping CalculatorFedEx Shipping Calculator |
Here are some top shipping companies that you can try:
- USPS
- UPS
- FedEx
- DHL Express
- Sendle
Independent Furniture Sellers: Local and Online Markets.
Before we delve into different types of independent sellers and how they can sell furniture, let’s explore all the things they should focus on:
Prerequisites for an Independent Seller
Here are some things to keep in mind before selling:
- If you’re promoting your furniture online, take good quality pictures with high-resolution and upload them on Facebook groups, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, etc (explained later in detail).
- This is optional – if you’re running a small business, have business registration and licensing in order to sell furniture. Have legal permits and sole proprietorship in place.
- If you’re selling locally, ensure you abide by the local regulations and the state laws.
- If you’re sourcing furniture inventory from a third party, ensure the vendors are reliable and have all the necessary documents.
- Prepare an inventory and stack all the furniture in a safe space without mold, moisture, or dirt. You can also rent a warehouse or have one of your own, depending on your requirements and budget. You can also utilize your house, garage or storage unit for this purpose.
Different Types of Independent Sellers
Independent sellers may be different from mainstream sellers. They are not affiliated with big brands or established e-commerce businesses. They manage and run everything on their own. They are usually designers, pre-owned sellers, vintage sellers, dropshippers, etc.
While they are independent from any e-commerce tie-ups, their process is somewhat close to how regular sellers sell:
1. If selling regularly, independent sellers must have a business name and an inventory.
2. They can also utilize online marketplaces, such as Instagram, Facebook, Amazon, etc., to sell their goods, and e-commerce platforms or website.
3. If selling online, they need to have individuals ready to ship orders to customers.
4. Optional: A physical store, like a flea market, garage sale, etc., to display and sell furniture, especially for local resellers and vintage sellers.
Now, let’s explore how different independent sellers can sell their furniture:
For Designers
Designers, such as artisans who create handmade furniture, can have a local store or create an online storefront.
If they wish to expand to online marketplaces, designers can use Instagram and Pinterest.
Given their niche is focused on unique designs that may be handcrafted, the visual display will intrigue their potential buyers. The best part about these two platforms is that they both provide free access to their business hubs.
So, if you’re a new designer, these platforms may provide a great way to kickstart your selling journey.
However, keep in mind that when it comes to running ad campaigns, there may be additional charges involved, especially in the case of running Instagram ads, as it includes using Meta Ads Manager, which may require additional fees.
For Resellers
Resellers can be of two types – regular resellers or those who only want to sell their items once.
Resellers can also have a local setup like a flea market, a garage sale, or thrifting.
Online marketplaces are a great and better option as they provide all the features a reseller needs and also help them find a target audience who are looking for secondhand furniture.
Here are some popular platforms resellers can use:
- Facebook Marketplace: This is Meta’s very own platform where you can resell secondhand furniture (side note: new items, too). It offers free listing and provides direct access to interact with your customers. It’s very easy to set up and offers a hassle-free selling experience.
- Craigslist: Next on our list is Craigslist, another popular platform for reselling furniture. In addition to job listings, housing, and other services, Craigslist also offers the option to resell goods.
It is a safe space, and you can find your target audience looking to purchase secondhand furniture. - eBay: Another prominent spot for reselling, eBay offers a proper forum to find interested audiences. By creating a business selling account, eBay provides you with tools and features to resell your furniture.
It also has a provision to auction goods, and the sellers have to pay a fee (commission) to eBay when a purchase is made. - Facebook Groups: Another great way to resell locally is to use Facebook groups. It is a free way to advertise your products and participate in specific groups where you can find individuals interested in buying your furniture. There are groups specifically dedicated to reselling furniture.
- Bookoo: A great way to keep yard sales amongst the locals. Bookoo lets you list your furniture on its platform and sell products like an online garage sale. It lets resellers list their products for free and also offers the provision to have unlimited membership, where your products will be more discoverable to potential buyers.
For Vintage Sellers
Sellers who deal in vintage furniture and wonder how to sell their antique pieces have a variety of options. Vintage furniture typically refers to items from a past era, and their pricing can vary depending on the type of seller. Is the furniture unique? Expensive? Or are you simply looking to sell old pieces?
There are various selling options to choose from –
- Yard Sale: Sellers can have yard sales to sell their vintage furniture. This is perfect if you’re selling locally or within your neighborhood.
- Online: Vintage sellers can join online marketplaces like Etsy, Instagram, Amazon, Shopify, etc., to sell their furniture. Costs may vary depending on your target audience, online storefront setup, and shipment.
- Auctions: Auctions are another way to sell furniture, and this can be done locally or online. Platforms like eBay allow you to auction your items, either as a regular vintage seller or for a one-time sale. Auctions usually have a niche client with great tastes, where someone bids on the product at a starting price and goes on till the bidder reaches the final limit.
- Flea Market: Set up your stall at a flea market to sell the furniture. The majority of budget buyers look for pocket-friendly options at any flea market, and this can be a great opportunity to make a sale.
- Collectors: Collectors own fine pieces of furniture and may sell them for a fortune. They also cater to a niche clientele, mostly consisting of wealthy individuals.
For Pre-owned Sellers
Pre-owned sellers usually aim for a one-time sale. Knowing how much to sell used furniture for is important when constructing a selling strategy.
This demands market research and an understanding of how much people are willing to shell out from their pockets.
When it comes to how to sell used furniture, pre-owned sellers must keep the condition, demand, and age of the furniture in mind. Having the furniture in a low-quality condition can result in no sales at all.
This is why having a good selling strategy and proper maintenance play a key role, even for pre-owned sellers.
Conclusion
And with that, we have covered almost every type of seller and their furniture selling endeavor with the right strategies and processes.
While the onset of your selling journey may be challenging, conversions and sales will eventually pour in.
So, it’s time to kickstart your selling journey and rake in profits!
FAQs
What is the best platform to sell furniture?
For new furniture, use Shopify, Wayfair, or Amazon. For used furniture, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and OfferUp work best. Vintage and designer pieces sell well on Chairish and 1stDibs.
Is selling furniture good money?
Yes, new furniture businesses see good profit margins, while reselling used or refurbished furniture can also be highly profitable.
How can I sell my house full of furniture fast?
List items in bulk on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or OfferUp. Estate sales, consignment shops, and donation centers with free pickup are also fast options.
What is a fair price to sell used furniture?
Typically, 30-50% of the original price, depending on condition, brand, and demand. High-end or rare pieces may sell for more.
How to sell furniture on Facebook Marketplace?
Post clear photos, write detailed descriptions, set a competitive price, and share in local buy-and-sell groups. Offer pickup or delivery for faster sales.
How to sell furniture locally?
Use Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, OfferUp, and Nextdoor. Consider garage sales, consignment shops, or flea markets for in-person sales.
Is selling vintage furniture profitable?
Yes, rare or well-preserved vintage pieces can sell for premium prices on platforms like Chairish, 1stDibs, and Etsy.
How to set pricing for furniture?
New furniture is marked up 2-3 times the production cost. Used furniture usually sells for 30-50% of its original price. Research similar listings for competitive pricing.
How can I ensure safe transactions?
Meet in public places, accept secure payments (cash, Zelle, or Venmo), and avoid checks or wire transfers. Use escrow services for high-value sales.
Is there a faster way to sell furniture?
List on multiple platforms, price competitively, offer discounts for bulk purchases, and provide delivery or easy pickup. Selling to resellers or auction houses is the quickest option.