Any time of year is a good time to get organized, starting with getting rid of furniture you no longer need. But rather than putting it out on the curb, why not turn your trash into cash? Whether it be on Craigslist, in your local paper, or at a yard sale, getting the most for your old furniture will give you more money to spend on things you need. Interested in seeing how? Then read on . . . .
Tip #1 Is it an antique or just used furniture?
We all hear stories of rare antiques selling for just a few dollars at a yard sale or thrift shop, so if you think your piece might be really old, have it checked out by someone in the business: an appraiser, antiques dealer, or auction house.
Quick Tip: Never sell family heirlooms, as they are irreplaceable and should be passed down to the next generation.
Tip #2 Dirt doesn’t sell.
Most people can’t see beyond a layer of grime, so don’t expect them to. A quick application of Minwax® Wood Cabinet Cleaner will remove the dirt without harming the finish.
Tip #3 Hide those nicks and scratches.
No one wants to buy another project, so make your furniture look “take-home-ready” by covering dings and scratches using Minwax® Stain Markers. Available in several popular colors, the markers contain real stain, but rather than a brush, you apply them with a felt tip. Quick and easy!
Tip #4 Sell the sizzle!
You only get one chance to make a first impression, so make the old finish glow with an application of Minwax® Wipe-On Poly or Minwax® Paste Finishing Wax. Don’t have a brush handy? You don’t need one, as both are applied in minutes with just a soft cloth.
Tip #5 A picture is worth a thousand dollars.
Well, maybe not quite that much, but it is still worth a thousand words — provided you remove the clutter around your item.
Look a little more appealing? You don’t need a photography studio, but you do need to make sure the piece you are selling is easy to see in the photo.
Quick Tip: You may just post one general photo, but have close-up shots ready to immediately email to someone who shows an interest. Make them wait, and you may lose the sale.
Tip #6 The time to sell is when you have a buyer.
Remember, you have two goals: get rid of the furniture, and make some money. Don’t get greedy or you may not achieve either one. If someone makes a fair offer, take it, as it could also be your only offer. A bird in hand is still worth two in the bush!
Until next time,
Hope this helps!
– Bruce
PS – Be sure to check out the Minwax® Facebook page for more tips and techniques!
Great advice, thank you! I recently inherited an older chair that I’m thinking about selling, and these tips will definitely help it to sell faster! 🙂
HI Bruce! My family started an antique business when I was a kid (I worked the coffee windows at 5am) and our show was once a month. People would flock from all over the state with their haul of antiques and unwanted furniture. I’m sure Minwax was a big part of what they used when restoring projects. I know my grandfather did! Thanks for posting this!