How-to garage sale it and flip it!
Have you ever wanted to start a side hustle doing something you love, that doesn’t take much time, and could actually be fun?
Check out the best tips and tricks for buying, refurbishing, and selling furniture taking your pieces from glum to glam.
In this post you will learn:
How to search for project pieces to flip for profit
What makes a piece a good pick
Tips on how to transform the piece
I have been an avid “garage saler” since I was 10 years old, and I can speak from experience that finding the perfect piece to transform is not only fun and exciting but also rewarding and lucrative. This blog post is designed to give you confidence to make your hobby a hustle that can work for you! I have listed here some great resources that I’ve used myself to help me in this transformative phase of furniture. Click here now to learn how to create your furniture flipping future. Let’s get started!
How to search for project pieces to flip for profit?
Who doesn’t love shopping? Chances are if you’re reading this post, you definitely enjoy shopping at least a little bit, but have you ever thought about shopping for a profit?
Since I was 10 years old, my mom and I along with 2-3 of her sisters have gotten up every Saturday morning before dawn to scope out deals at local garage sales, yard sales, and estate sales. It’s true to say that you never know what you will find and ‘Ones trash may be another’s treasure’. I have such fond memories of finding pieces for bargain prices and putting them in our homes, but recently I have been buying to sell for profit.
But first things first. How do we know where to go? The best way to find your local garage sales is to check the classifieds section of your local newspaper either online or in ink. It’s best to plan your route ahead of time so you can beat the crowd, and in this case, the early bird does indeed get the worm.
What makes a project piece a good pick?
Once you’ve planned your route and found your bargain spot, how do you know what project piece to pick? Some things to think about as far as refurbishing furniture is the material of the piece. Real wood items sell better than particle board, and level and sturdy pieces sell better than wobbly, flimsy ones.
Also, in the beginning of your new side hustle adventure, it’s good practice to start small even if it’s only for storage purposes. You may be ready and willing to stain and repaint an 8ft dining table, but two 2x2 night stands are much easier to store if the paint needs longer to dry.
In the book l found on Amazon (link listed below) the founder, Jen Crider, discusses which furniture styles sell the fastest and for the most money. Check out her link for the specifics on which pieces will have you flipping for profit the quickest.
Easy tips and tricks on how to flip
So you’ve picked up your project piece for a steal of a deal and now you’re taking it home to breathe new life into the bones; where do you start?
First things first, set up your workspace area you’ll be working your magic in making sure it’s out of the way if your project takes a little longer than you thought.
Next, clean the surfaces; DO NOT JUST START PAINTING WITHOUT FIRST CLEANING. My husband has taught me a lot about re-doing furniture, and he is a big fan of not rushing the prep work.
Lastly, before any great changes are made, be sure to make sure your project is level and all pieces are working properly. If it needs sanding, just sand it; don’t skimp out on the prep work, after all you want this side hustle to make money.
After these preparatory items are finished you’re ready to bring it to life with paint, stain, or whatever embellishments you decide. Check out Amy Howard's Guide to Refinishing Furniture and Accessories for inspiration to really make your pieces pop!
I finished my project! What do I do next?
YAY! You found some cool pieces, you enjoyed restoring them, and you didn’t break the bank! You’ve finished your project and you now have a masterpiece!
Your sweet nightstands or your awesome dresser of [insert furniture item] is ready for a new home; how do you sell it? In the link posted below, find out how to post your items online to sell for quick profit using Etsy.
Learn to build your brand to attract sales, the curves of pricing your newly refurbished pieces, negotiating with potential buyers, how to set up drop off and meet up appointments, etc. This comprehensive course listed below is essential in beginning your side hustle as it teaches you how to turn something you enjoy into money!
And if you’re like me, you’ll probably be using this new found money to go to more garage sales and to make more masterpieces. Happy bargain hunting and hustling!
