Your Guide to Selling Furniture Online
Are you looking to sell that old sofa you’ve had for years? Perhaps you’re updating your home décor, and the furniture no longer fits the style. Or maybe you’re moving house or downsizing and need to part with items you can’t take with you. There are countless reasons why people turn to selling furniture online. With so many pieces available, it’s crucial to ensure your furniture looks its best to stand out in the market.
Selling furniture online can also be a rewarding side hustle. By purchasing furniture that needs a bit of TLC, refurbishing it to a higher standard, and then reselling it, you can make a tidy profit – a practice known as “furniture flipping.”
Preparing to Sell Your Furniture Online
Before you rush to snap a few pictures and upload them, it’s wise to take some preparatory steps to maximise your return. A bit of prep work goes a long way, and a thoughtful description can provide buyers with peace of mind, boosting your chances of a sale.
Clean and Tidy Up
Cleanliness plays a significant role when you sell furniture online. People are willing to pay more for items that look well-maintained – a simple cleaning could add over £100 to your asking price! If there are visible stains or marks, potential buyers might worry they won’t be able to remove them. Small issues can deter buyers, even if the item originally cost thousands. Repairing any minor damage is also worthwhile if it’s affordable, as some buyers may be concerned about their ability to fix it.
Capturing Quality Photos
Once your furniture is looking its best, it’s time to take pictures. Quality photos are the key to selling furniture online. The better the images, the more appealing your listing will be. Use good lighting, capture your furniture from multiple angles, and ensure the pictures are crisp.
Consider what’s around the furniture as well. A tidy background suggests the item comes from a clean home, which can reassure potential buyers.
Best Platforms for Selling Your Old Furniture Online
There are numerous platforms where you can sell your old furniture online. In the UK, Facebook Marketplace leads the pack, with fast-moving listings and a large user base. Other popular options include:
Writing an Accurate Description
When selling furniture online, an honest and detailed description goes a long way. It shows you’re genuine and builds trust with potential buyers. You don’t need to claim your furniture is flawless. If there’s noticeable wear or damage, be upfront about it and include photos. Small imperfections are to be expected with used items, but significant flaws should be disclosed.
Pricing Your Furniture
Pricing is an essential aspect when you sell furniture online. If you want a quick sale, avoid setting a high price as it might discourage interest. To move your furniture fast, consider undercutting similar listings slightly.
If you’re not in a hurry, you have more flexibility with pricing. However, you should still avoid pricing too high. A good strategy is to list at a higher price initially and gradually lower it if there’s a lack of interest.
Providing Delivery Options
One common obstacle buyers face when purchasing used furniture is transportation. If you can offer deliveTryting to ry, that’s a bonus – and you could even charge a little extra for this service. However, if you’re unable to provide delivery, this can limit the number of potential buyers interested in your furniture.
That’s where arranging a man and van service comes in. Much like our Ikea delivery services, A local man and van service, like Transport Executive, can be significantly cheaper than the delivery options provided by many online retailers. Not only does this save the buyer money, but it also adds a layer of convenience. Instead of being bound by the delivery schedules of larger courier companies, a man and van service can often accommodate more flexible time slots that suit both you and the buyer. This speed and convenience make selling furniture online much more appealing for both parties.
When you choose a service like Transport Executive, you’re providing your buyer with a trustworthy, professional option that can handle heavy and bulky items with care. We specialise in moving and safely packing all types of furniture, ensuring it reaches its new home in the same condition it left yours. Additionally, our network of local vans means we can arrange pickups and drop-offs swiftly – no long waiting periods that many courier services often impose.
By offering to facilitate this delivery option, you broaden your audience and increase your chances of a successful sale. Simply provide your buyer with our details and direct them to our booking page to arrange payment. This not only provides them with a seamless and cost-effective solution but also gives them peace of mind knowing that their furniture is in safe hands.
