From Hobby to Profit: Our Journey Selling Furniture on Etsy

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Starting a Furniture Reselling Business 2.1. How we got started 2.2. Initial struggles and challenges
3. Transitioning to Online Sales 3.1. The decision to open an Etsy store 3.2. Overcoming shipping concerns
4. Success on Etsy 4.1. The impact of listing a high-value piece 4.2. The profitability of Etsy sales
5. Expanding the Business 5.1. Upgrading the shop 5.2. Planning for future growth
6. Conclusion

Reselling Furniture: From Side Hobby to Thriving Business

In this article, we will take you through our journey of establishing and growing a furniture reselling business. We started as furniture enthusiasts, exploring the art of refurbishing and reselling various treasures we found at garage sales, auctions, and thrift stores. Over time, we transformed our passion into a profitable venture by tapping into online platforms and expanding our reach. We will share the strategies and experiences that have led us to achieve a significant increase in sales, particularly through our Etsy store. Whether you are considering starting your own business or looking for ways to take your existing furniture business to the next level, we hope our story and insights can provide you with valuable guidance.

1. Introduction

Before diving into the details, let us provide a brief overview of our journey. We established our furniture reselling business, Mountain Cove Market, in early 2019. In the beginning, we followed the traditional route of selling locally through platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. While this approach yielded initial sales, it wasn't until we made some crucial changes that our business truly took off. By incorporating online sales and focusing on high-value pieces, we managed to achieve a staggering 600% increase in sales in just over two years.

2. Starting a Furniture Reselling Business

2.1. How we got started

Like many others in the industry, we began our venture by stumbling upon valuable pieces of furniture and reselling them locally. It started as a side hobby for Casey, who would refurbish furniture at home while juggling full-time studies. Initially, the sales were sporadic, but the thrill of earning extra money and the potential for growth kept us going.

2.2. Initial struggles and challenges

During the early stages, our limited storage space and the inconvenience of having potential buyers visit our home became a hindrance. To overcome this, we took the leap and rented a small barn shop. It was a humble space with no electricity, which meant using lanterns and flashlights for evening operations. Despite the challenges, this move allowed us to expand our operation and secure a more professional image in the eyes of potential customers.

3. Transitioning to Online Sales

3.1. The decision to open an Etsy store

The COVID-19 pandemic, with its temporary closure of physical shops, pushed us to explore online avenues for sales. One such platform was Etsy, known for its focus on handmade and vintage items. The idea of opening an Etsy store was initially intimidating due to concerns about shipping logistics and packaging large furniture pieces. However, fueled by our past successes and the potential for reaching a broader market, we decided to take the leap.

3.2. Overcoming shipping concerns

Shipping large furniture pieces posed unique challenges. We had to figure out how to safely package and transport them without incurring excessive costs. While it required some experimentation and creative problem-solving, we discovered efficient ways to protect our items during shipping. The success of our first online sale on Etsy, where we sold an armoire for $1,400, validated our decision and propelled us further into the world of e-commerce.

4. Success on Etsy

4.1. The impact of listing a high-value piece

The experience of selling the armoire on Etsy proved to be a turning point for our business. This particular piece, which had initially struggled to find a buyer in our local marketplace at a drastically reduced price, received significant interest and ultimately sold for a substantial profit on Etsy. This realization helped us understand that not all furniture items resonate with the local market, and exploring online platforms can unlock new opportunities for higher-value sales.

4.2. The profitability of Etsy sales

Since opening our Etsy store, we have experienced consistent sales growth. Over a period of four months, our Etsy revenue amounted to approximately $5,700. After deducting fees and shipping costs, we still managed to profit around $850 per month, highlighting the financial viability of selling through this platform. Our focus on sourcing furniture pieces at affordable prices played a crucial role in boosting our profitability.

5. Expanding the Business

5.1. Upgrading the shop

As our business continued to thrive, the limitations of our small shop became apparent. To accommodate our expanding inventory and provide a better shopping experience for our customers, we decided to explore upgrading to a larger and more suitable location. This step has allowed us to showcase our furniture to a wider audience and create a more professional image for our brand.

5.2. Planning for future growth

Looking ahead, we have begun considering the next steps in our business growth. We are currently in the process of applying for necessary permits and approvals to secure a new, dedicated building for our operations. This move will help us expand even further and explore additional avenues for scaling our business, such as hosting events or collaborating with other local artisans.

6. Conclusion

Our journey from a small-scale furniture reselling operation to a thriving online business has been marked by persistence, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace new opportunities. By leveraging platforms like Etsy and constantly seeking growth and improvement, we have achieved significant sales growth and profitability. We hope that sharing our experiences and insights can inspire and guide others who are looking to establish or expand their own furniture reselling businesses. Remember, success in this industry comes from a combination of passion, creativity, and a willingness to adapt to changing market dynamics.