Furniture flipping turns ugly op shop finds into premium pieces. Here's how to do it profitably in Australia.
Furniture flipping has exceptional margins because buyers pay for transformation. A $20 op shop timber table, cleaned and refinished, can sell for $200-500. The value add is your time and skill, not expensive materials. Australian demand for quality restored furniture is strong — buyers prefer unique character pieces over flat-pack alternatives.
Facebook Marketplace is the best sourcing channel for furniture — free or cheap pieces from people moving house are listed daily. Op shops in suburban areas have larger furniture sections. Council verge cleanup events (check your local council schedule) can yield excellent pieces for free. Look for solid timber construction, classic shapes, and items that just need cleaning or minor repair.
Start simple: thorough cleaning (sugar soap, fine sandpaper), fresh paint (chalk paint is popular and forgiving), new hardware (handles and knobs from Bunnings), and basic upholstery (recovering seat cushions with staple gun and fabric). As you build skills, tackle more complex projects. Document your process — before/after photos sell the transformation story.
Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree are best for furniture — local pickup eliminates shipping challenges. For smaller pieces, eBay works with courier delivery. All restoration materials and sourcing costs are deductible. See our Facebook Marketplace guide and reseller tax guide.
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