How to Sell Used Furniture

Sofa

Your used furniture may still have life in it. Plus, it may be the exact color of furniture someone is looking to buy. These are just two reasons why you may wish to sell your used furniture. If you would like to see someone else get some mileage from your used furniture and make a little bit of money in the process, follow these simple steps.

Things You'll Need

• Stain remover
• Cleaner
• Vacuum cleaner
• Polish
• Dust Rag
• Digital camera

Instructions

1. Analyze the piece of furniture or pieces that you wish to sell. Do the piece or pieces need to be cleaned or polished? Do they need to be stained or repaired?

2. Use stain remover on any stubborn stains you see before you start cleaning. Read the directions on the remover you choose to use. Most will tell you to test the product on a hidden area of the furniture to make sure it doesn't actually create a bigger stain. If the product is safe to use, allow it to set on the stain for at least 5 minutes before wiping.

3. Begin cleaning the furniture to get a better idea of how it really looks. If the piece of furniture is a covered piece such as a sofa or chair, you should clean it with a vacuum cleaner. If the piece is a table or stand, you should clean it with a dust rag and polish.

4. Decide on an asking price for the furniture. You should go up a couple of dollars for negotiating power.

5. Place an ad in your newspaper stating the particular type of furniture you are selling. Be sure to include the asking price and your phone number along with any other important details such as length, height or number of shelves.

6. Hold a garage or yard sale if you have a many pieces of furniture to sale. This will make the selling process easier for you and possibly quicker. Be sure to have the asking prices on each piece you wish to sale. Some customers do not like asking what the price is and would rather just leave the sale without making a purchase.

7. Place online advertisements about your furniture at any websites that cater to your neighborhood. Many communities have their own online sites that include links to classified ads and for sale items. Plus, many communities are represented on the popular website Craigslist, which has a for-sale section.

8. Place your furniture for bid on eBay or a similar site. Be warned, though, you will have to pay most of these sites a percentage of your final selling bid.

Tips & Warnings

• Take pictures of your furniture and include these in any online advertisements or auctions.

• When placing online advertisements, be sure to include a link to where pictures of your furniture can be seen. Sites such as Photobucket will allow you to download photos and then give you access to a URL link to where they can be found.

• Be patient when selling your furniture. The first person who looks at your furniture offering may not be the first one to buy.

Resources

• Craigslist
• Photobucket