Second-Hand furniture seller, online and markets

Households furnishing a first home, students, renters and people who prefer solid older furniture to flat-pack.

You sell each piece for more than you paid plus any cleaning or repair costs. Delivery can be charged as an extra, and some sellers add a small fee for local drop-off.

• Spotting good-value pieces
• Basic cleaning and light repair
• Clear photos and honest listings
• Negotiating on price

• Upholstered furniture sold in the UK has fire safety labelling rules, check the requirements for second-hand items with Trading Standards before selling sofas or chairs
• Check whether you need a licence or permission to trade at markets or on the street with your local council
• Public liability insurance for market stalls, and a way to store stock safely and dry
• Register as a sole trader with HMRC if you are trading regularly, not just clearing your own things
• Check the rules for storing stock at home with your landlord or mortgage lender
• Lifting heavy items, and whether you need a van or hired transport

Startup costs are typically around £300 to £2,500, depending on how much stock you buy, whether you need transport and what storage you have. These are estimates, so start small and reinvest your early sales.

Monthly revenue is typically around £400 to £3,000, depending on the pieces you source, your prices and how often you sell. These are estimates, and you can start with around 8 hours a week.

Check fire safety labelling rules for upholstered furniture with Trading Standards before selling sofas or chairs. Also check whether you need council permission to trade at markets, and register as a sole trader with HMRC if you trade regularly.