By Blake Carver, Side Hustle Strategies
Looking for a side hustle that combines creativity, hands-on work, and serious profit potential? Furniture flipping—buying, refurbishing, and reselling furniture—is a fantastic way to turn your DIY skills into cash. With a startup budget under $500, you can launch a furniture flipping business that taps into the growing demand for unique, upcycled pieces. This guide, brought to you by Side Hustle Strategies, walks you through the steps to start flipping furniture as a side hustle, inspired by real success stories and practical strategies. Check out video tutorial for hands-on tips to jumpstart your journey.
Why Furniture Flipping?
Furniture flipping is an ideal side hustle for men (and anyone!) who enjoy working with their hands and have an eye for design. The upcycling trend is booming, with buyers on platforms like Etsy and Facebook Marketplace paying $200–$1,000 for unique pieces. Flippers can earn $100–$500 per piece, with some turning $50 thrift store finds into $500 sales. It’s flexible, requires minimal skills to start, and lets you work from your garage or backyard. Plus, it’s eco-friendly, appealing to buyers who value sustainable decor.
Step 1: Gather Your Tools (Under $500)
You don’t need a fancy workshop to start flipping furniture. Here’s a budget-friendly toolkit to get going:
- Sander: An orbital sander (~$50–$80) from Home Depot or Amazon smooths surfaces for painting or staining.
- Paint and Supplies: Quality paint, brushes, and rollers (~$50–$70) add vibrant finishes. Chalk paint is beginner-friendly.
- Cleaning Supplies: All-purpose cleaner, rags, and sandpaper (~$20–$30) prep pieces for refurbishing.
- Basic Tools: Screwdriver, hammer, and wood glue (~$30–$50) handle minor repairs.
- Sourcing Furniture: Budget $100–$200 for initial pieces from thrift stores, garage sales, or Craigslist.
- Marketing Materials: Flyers or business cards (~$50) for local promotion.
Total cost: ~$350–$450. Watch video tutorial for tips on choosing tools and techniques to keep costs low while maximizing quality.
Step 2: Source Quality Furniture
The key to profitable flipping is finding undervalued pieces with potential. Check these sources:
- Thrift Stores: Look for solid wood dressers, tables, or chairs ($20–$100) with good bones.
- Facebook Marketplace/Craigslist: Search for free or cheap items like mid-century modern pieces, which sell well.
- Garage Sales: Haggle for deals early in the morning when sellers are eager to clear inventory.
- Curbside Finds: Check “free” piles on trash days, especially in affluent areas.
Focus on pieces that need cosmetic fixes (e.g., scratches, outdated finishes) rather than structural repairs to save time and money.
Step 3: Refurbish Like a Pro
Transforming furniture is where the magic happens. Start with simple projects like dressers or side tables:
- Clean and Prep: Remove dirt and old finishes with cleaner and sandpaper.
- Repair: Fix loose joints with wood glue or replace missing hardware (budget ~$10–$20 per piece).
- Refinish: Apply paint or stain for a modern look. Chalk paint or bold colors attract buyers.
- Stage: Style pieces with decor for photos to showcase their potential.
Practice on a cheap piece to hone your skills. The video tutorial shows techniques like sanding and painting for professional results.
