Craigslist and Online Ads
Selling items on Craigslist and through other online sale sites is easy and can get you the most profit; it can be tricky, however. When creating your online ad, make sure you provide as much detail as possible. This includes:
Photos of your itemSize and dimensions of your itemBrand or maker (if known) and condition of the item
It also helps to mention or highlight what you did during the refurbishing process, such as repairs, new paint, etc. Including this information will help attract interested and serious buyers. When it comes to potential buyers, be aware and choose wisely. Be cautious of potential scammers and steer away from those who want to buy your item for a lot less (or a lot more) than your asking price. Also, be extremely cautious about letting anyone into your home and giving out your address. Always try to meet the buyer at a public place or common location such as a popular store or mall parking lot. If the item is too large to transport back and forth and the buyer must come to your home, place the item outside on your porch or in your garage.
Antique or Consignment Shops
Antique and consignment shops are great places to get exposure, but selling your item(s) through a third party means you will most likely receive less profit. There is also the chance your item will be priced too high and so be harder to sell. We’re not a big fan of selling through consignment because of these reasons, but if you want someone else to handle the selling and negotiating of your item(s), this is the way to go. Before committing to a particular shop, check with the different shops in your area and select one that gives you the best profit-to-sale ratio.
Flea Markets and Swap Shops
If you’re looking to start your own business selling refurbished furniture, renting a booth at a flea market or swap shop may be the best way to go. Check out your local markets and pick one that has a combination of the following:
The cheapest booth rental priceThe most exposureAverage prices that are similar to your own
Even though a market may have the cheapest booth price, it may not get the most traffic. Also, make sure the booth you are renting is in a part of the flea market or swap shop that gets exposure to foot traffic. When scoping out markets, also look for one that best meets your needs as a seller and is in a demographic area that is most drawn to your prices.
Community Boards
Community boards are a great place to post flyers and business cards for local businesses and services. Make up a flyer as an ad for either your refurbishing business or the specific item(s) you’re selling. Include lots of details about your business or the item(s) you’re selling along with color photos, information about the item(s), and your contact information (such as an email and phone number). Note: it is not recommended that you include your home address. You don’t want a stranger showing up on your doorstep unannounced or scoping out your home. The best part of posting on a community board? It’s free. Just make sure you have permission to post your business cards or flyers and you’re good to go.
