Hello

I have been real curious about learning how to buy and flip items I find on Craigslist. I am interested in buying old furniture and updating it by painting it, and doing other creative things that will enhance the piece for sale. Ive probably spent the last few days going through each CL add and looking for cheap gems that I can practice on.

I would also like to buy undervalued antiques and try to make some cash at auction or sell it at a consignment store. I am trying to educate myself on what are actually antiques and not reproductions so I don't get ripped off.

Well anyways see you in the forums.

 

Welcome D!

 

Hola, and welcome to the Forums! Great place to learn...

 

May have already said so but welcome!

 

Hi and a warm WELCOME DougG!!! Fun place to learn a lot from a whole bunch of knowledgeable antiquers SO willing to share what they know!! Good place to share your expertise as well!!

 

Greetings, Doug! Lots of advice here!

In particular, you should be on the lookout for Verybrad - an experienced, though reluctant, painter/refinisher of furniture for resale.

 

Hi and welcome! I think for me the hardest part with furniture is knowing a good way to sell it. Auction houses and consignment shops around where I am charge quite hefty fees. Lots of folks here will be able to offer ideas and support though so it's a good place to be.

 

Welcome DougG......Read here ...& read Lots !!!

 

Welcome! You are right to learn about stuff before you start to buy!

 

Welcome Doug

 

Hi Doug, Welcome as others have already mentioned you came to the right place to learn some very valuable information.

 

Flipping for a profit is very difficult to do, most of the antique dealers that I know do it part time and don't make much of a profit at it after all costs are considered. A few weeks ago I saw a long time antique dealer from my area that I had always believed did very well on his purchases and did this full time - working at a Wal-Mart garden center as a clerk. He said that his antique businesses was slow currently and he needed to supplement his income. Keep your day job until you are sure you can make a living and pay for lots of expenses that come with sourcing and selling items like gasoline for your vehicle, rent (antique malls, flea markets, storefronts) and lots of taxes.

Make sure that you make a commitment to learn the trade before you jump in the deep end. It may be worth specializing in a particular niche that you know very well and have researched extensively so that you can spot value.