You will read many 'schemes' for turning rubbish into money and sadly, most of them are unworkable. But, here is such a business that is completely workable - indeed, it's already a successful business. And, what's more it has not been published before and it is just waiting to be exploited in all areas!
You will often have seen upholstery retailers offering to take upholstery in part exchange for new - for example 'œ100 allowance for your old 3 piece'. You might also have wondered just what happens to this part exchange upholstery - the shops don't sell and it is often too good to tip. Well,the simple answer is that it is sold through the trade, refurbished and resold as top quality secondhand furniture!
When you consider a good quality dralon suite might sell for œ1,000 - there's sure to be lots of buyers for a good quality reconditioned one at œ3-400! The cheaper refurbished suites sell to poorer people - and the better quality ones enjoy lots of demand at the top end of the scale. It's not everybody who wants - or needs a brand new
suite. Especially those with pets or children!
Anyone can easily start a business (part time if you like), buying these suites for a few pounds, cleaning them up and selling for 100's of times what they cost you. You work from home. what's more this is not a fanciful 'plan' - several people are already making big profits just doing this. But, this scheme is new in concept and there is still plenty of opportunity for new business to cash in. Surely it must be one of the few remaining opportunities to buy a valuable product for next to nothing!
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Where and How to Find Supplies
You will need a little capital to buy your first suite for refurbishment - œ10 should do it easily if you know where to look. You can then sell this and use the profits to re-invest in your business - maybe even start your own furniture showroom with time!
It is possible to go direct to the larger upholstery retailers and ask if they sell off part-exchange furniture. Make it clear you are a trader or they may pretend not to be interested. Usually though they will be keen to dispose of this furniture and you can offer to pay a little over the odds and still make big profits. They take part exchanges not because they want to - but as a sales gimmick and usually you will be doing them a service by removing unwanted exchange items.
If you cannot buy direct from a retailer you will have to try an auction. There will be many auctions of 'household effects' in your area and you will need to make a habit of visiting some. Rarely will they all sell 3 piece suites exclusively - but you will soon find the ones which tend to attract most of this type of furniture. Take some time to learn how the auction works and you will not find it hard to snap up a bargain.
However you buy your stock it is not possible to identify the most profitable items. Concentrate entirely on 3 piece suites since these are most readily saleable. Don't buy odd chairs which will be difficult to sell. Don't consider badly torn or damaged upholstery. But, you should consider anything that is just dirty - no matter how badly soiled it is. Or, anything with a few minor faults e.g. castors and buttons missing. Look particularly at dralon suites as these are the very easiest to handle and the dirtier they are the more profit you will get!
You will be able to pick up some good stock from as little as œ3-4 (realistically!) for a full suite. But, you should be prepared to pay up to œ30 (if you have the money) and still be confident of making a big profit.
If you are successfully in bidding for a suite the auction rooms will usually keep it for a while until you can arrange transport. If you don't have suitable transport hire a large van (e.g. a Transit or Luton type van). These can often be hired by the hour for self-drive (a little more with driver) from as little as œ4-5 per trip. Once you get the suite home you will need somewhere to store it. A spare bedroom is fine, but a garage or garden shed will do. Cover the suite to protect it and provide some heat if
the weather is cold and damp.
Once you have purchased a suite it must be refurbished as soon as possible for maximum profit. But, an average suite should not take more than 2 or 3 evenings work to bring to easily saleable standard.
It is possible to go direct to the larger upholstery retailers and ask if they sell off part-exchange furniture. Make it clear you are a trader or they may pretend not to be interested. Usually though they will be keen to dispose of this furniture and you can offer to pay a little over the odds and still make big profits. They take part exchanges not because they want to - but as a sales gimmick and usually you will be doing them a service by removing unwanted exchange items.
If you cannot buy direct from a retailer you will have to try an auction. There will be many auctions of 'household effects' in your area and you will need to make a habit of visiting some. Rarely will they all sell 3 piece suites exclusively - but you will soon find the ones which tend to attract most of this type of furniture. Take some time to learn how the auction works and you will not find it hard to snap up a bargain.
However you buy your stock it is not possible to identify the most profitable items. Concentrate entirely on 3 piece suites since these are most readily saleable. Don't buy odd chairs which will be difficult to sell. Don't consider badly torn or damaged upholstery. But, you should consider anything that is just dirty - no matter how badly soiled it is. Or, anything with a few minor faults e.g. castors and buttons missing. Look particularly at dralon suites as these are the very easiest to handle and the dirtier they are the more profit you will get!
You will be able to pick up some good stock from as little as œ3-4 (realistically!) for a full suite. But, you should be prepared to pay up to œ30 (if you have the money) and still be confident of making a big profit.
If you are successfully in bidding for a suite the auction rooms will usually keep it for a while until you can arrange transport. If you don't have suitable transport hire a large van (e.g. a Transit or Luton type van). These can often be hired by the hour for self-drive (a little more with driver) from as little as œ4-5 per trip. Once you get the suite home you will need somewhere to store it. A spare bedroom is fine, but a garage or garden shed will do. Cover the suite to protect it and provide some heat if
the weather is cold and damp.
Once you have purchased a suite it must be refurbished as soon as possible for maximum profit. But, an average suite should not take more than 2 or 3 evenings work to bring to easily saleable standard.
How Refurbishing Works
Refurbishing an ordinary suite is not a difficult process and a good quality job can be effected by the average DIY person. Do not employ professional upholsterers since this will cut into your profit and they may catch onto the idea themselves!
The first step should be to repair any actual, physical damage to the suite. This can come in many forms but even severe damage can often be restored to near new condition. Obtain an upholstery repair book if you are particularly interested in this. A common problem is that buttons come adrift on buttoned suites. These can be easily repaired and most are secured by a piece of thick cotton to the back of the furniture. Repair or replace cushion zips where necessary. Sometimes fringes or rouches fall from older suites and these can be restitched or glued or removed completely. You will find it handy to build up a small stock of upholsterers supplies and tools.
Whilst major tears cannot be repaired it is possible to use discreet patches in some circumstances. Matching material can be obtained from underneath cushions. The material taken from here can be replaced with the linen type material which is usually found on the underside of suites. Obviously, any repairs of this type will have to be very carefully done if you want to get a good price for the finished product.
Where cushions or upholstered sections sag or bulge simply add or remove stuffing to suit. Avoid over-stuffing which is a common fault and makes the furniture very uncomfortable!
The majority of suites taken in part exchange are not seriously defective and it will not be hard to achieve a good job. Many repairs will be undetectable - and even if they are noticeable the customer will often not mind due to the bargain selling price of the finished suite.
When the suite is physically repaired it must be very thoroughly cleaned. The best way to do this is to steam clean it. Steam cleaning machines and all the necessary chemicals can be hired from local shops. Or, you would soon find it worthwhile to buy a machine. Good used steam cleaners are available from œ100 up.
It is easy to obtain an excellent result with steam cleaning. Many different types of upholstery, especially dralon and other synthetics, will clean up like new fabric! In most cases you will find the armchairs dirtier than the sofa, so clean accordingly. Apart from obtaining a good appearance use plenty of special cleaning perfumes and deodorants on the suite. A clean, fresh smell is all important in selling. Customers often do not mind buying upholstery which is not in the best physical condition, but
dirty - or smelly - furniture will not sell well, even to the person with very little to spend.
Be sure to allow the suite plenty of time to dry out. Finally, replace any missing castors or legs and cover the suite with a clear protective sheeting to give a factory fresh look!
The first step should be to repair any actual, physical damage to the suite. This can come in many forms but even severe damage can often be restored to near new condition. Obtain an upholstery repair book if you are particularly interested in this. A common problem is that buttons come adrift on buttoned suites. These can be easily repaired and most are secured by a piece of thick cotton to the back of the furniture. Repair or replace cushion zips where necessary. Sometimes fringes or rouches fall from older suites and these can be restitched or glued or removed completely. You will find it handy to build up a small stock of upholsterers supplies and tools.
Whilst major tears cannot be repaired it is possible to use discreet patches in some circumstances. Matching material can be obtained from underneath cushions. The material taken from here can be replaced with the linen type material which is usually found on the underside of suites. Obviously, any repairs of this type will have to be very carefully done if you want to get a good price for the finished product.
Where cushions or upholstered sections sag or bulge simply add or remove stuffing to suit. Avoid over-stuffing which is a common fault and makes the furniture very uncomfortable!
The majority of suites taken in part exchange are not seriously defective and it will not be hard to achieve a good job. Many repairs will be undetectable - and even if they are noticeable the customer will often not mind due to the bargain selling price of the finished suite.
When the suite is physically repaired it must be very thoroughly cleaned. The best way to do this is to steam clean it. Steam cleaning machines and all the necessary chemicals can be hired from local shops. Or, you would soon find it worthwhile to buy a machine. Good used steam cleaners are available from œ100 up.
It is easy to obtain an excellent result with steam cleaning. Many different types of upholstery, especially dralon and other synthetics, will clean up like new fabric! In most cases you will find the armchairs dirtier than the sofa, so clean accordingly. Apart from obtaining a good appearance use plenty of special cleaning perfumes and deodorants on the suite. A clean, fresh smell is all important in selling. Customers often do not mind buying upholstery which is not in the best physical condition, but
dirty - or smelly - furniture will not sell well, even to the person with very little to spend.
Be sure to allow the suite plenty of time to dry out. Finally, replace any missing castors or legs and cover the suite with a clear protective sheeting to give a factory fresh look!
Selling Your Products
When you are sure the suite is in a saleable condition you can proceed to selling it. You will need to decide on a selling price first. This will usually be much higher than you think. Compare with the value of similar quality new upholstery and similar upholstery being sold by private individuals. Remember that your suites can sell for more than this due to the fact that they are fully refurbished.
Some traders would set the suite up in their own living room and sell as if a private sale. This means the suite should sell fast and for a high price as a 'one careful owner' piece of furniture. Really though, this is less than honest, andyou are better declaring yourself as a trader. In keeping with this theme keep usual trading records.
Your furniture can be inexpensively sold using classified advertisements in newspapers. Another good way is by placing cards in shop windows. If you do this then enclosing a photograph should attract more attention. Be sure to give full description of your suites, e.g. colour, material, style, etc. You do not have to quote a price, but if you do put 'o.n.o.' (or near offer). This always attracts more attention, and you can put your price up a bit to allow for this! A mid-range suite might sell fast at œ120-250. Not bad for something that cost only a tenth or twentieth of that price - even allowing for costs of refurbishment and advertising!
If you can deliver suites once sold this will get you much more business - and you can easily deliver one suite when going to buy the next one!
Some traders would set the suite up in their own living room and sell as if a private sale. This means the suite should sell fast and for a high price as a 'one careful owner' piece of furniture. Really though, this is less than honest, andyou are better declaring yourself as a trader. In keeping with this theme keep usual trading records.
Your furniture can be inexpensively sold using classified advertisements in newspapers. Another good way is by placing cards in shop windows. If you do this then enclosing a photograph should attract more attention. Be sure to give full description of your suites, e.g. colour, material, style, etc. You do not have to quote a price, but if you do put 'o.n.o.' (or near offer). This always attracts more attention, and you can put your price up a bit to allow for this! A mid-range suite might sell fast at œ120-250. Not bad for something that cost only a tenth or twentieth of that price - even allowing for costs of refurbishment and advertising!
If you can deliver suites once sold this will get you much more business - and you can easily deliver one suite when going to buy the next one!
How to Have EVER INCREASING BUSINESS
By far the best way to start is to buy just one 3 piece suite and refurbish and sell it at home. Your costs are little and your profit can be several thousand percent. But, there is easy potential to develop your venture into a very big, maybe even full time venture.
You can expand from home as long as you have the space, taking into stock as many suites as you have room for. Or, you can take on small workshop or shop premises. Apart from the extra space you can also display suites and this will generate much more business. This can still be done part time by employing an assistant on commission.
You can expand from home as long as you have the space, taking into stock as many suites as you have room for. Or, you can take on small workshop or shop premises. Apart from the extra space you can also display suites and this will generate much more business. This can still be done part time by employing an assistant on commission.
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