Thrift with Me | What to Look for Before You Buy Furniture to Flip!

Are you ready to transform your thrift store finds into profit? In this video, I'm taking you along on a thrifting adventure to uncover hidden gems perfect for refinishing and flipping! From spotting potential to budgeting and inspecting for hidden issues. Whether you're a seasoned flipper or a beginner, hopefully this video will help you turn ordinary pieces into extraordinary creations.
Here's a checklist for thrift store shopping to find second-hand furniture suitable for refinishing and flipping for profit:
1. Structural Integrity
Check for Stability: Ensure the piece doesn't wobble or feel unstable when pressure is applied.
Joints and Fastenings: Look for tight, dovetail joints and well-secured fastenings. Avoid furniture with loose or poorly assembled parts unless easily fixable.
2. Damage or Repair Needs
Surface Scratches: Surface-level scratches are easy to sand out or cover with paint or stain.
Water Damage: Check for water rings, warping, or bubbling wood, which can be hard to repair.
Missing Hardware: Make sure any missing hardware like knobs or handles can be easily replaced or upgraded.
Odour and Stains: Be cautious of pieces with odours, stains, or signs of mould, as these can be difficult to remove entirely.
3. Potential for Transformation
Style and Design: Focus on pieces with timeless or trending styles that have potential to appeal to buyers after refinishing.
Unique Features: Look for items with interesting carvings, shapes, or details that could stand out with a fresh coat of paint or stain.
Size and Scale: Consider pieces that are practical in size for most spaces (avoid overly bulky items unless they're a statement piece).
4. Paint or Stain Potential
Surface Type: Ensure the piece can be easily sanded, painted, or stained. Some laminates or veneers may be more challenging to work with.
6. Cost vs. Profit Margin
Reasonable Price: Ensure the thrift price leaves enough room for a profitable resale after factoring in supplies and labour.
Repair Costs: Estimate costs for repairs, paint, fabric, and time to calculate potential profit.
Negotiation: Don't hesitate to negotiate, especially if there are minor damages or repair needs you can fix easily.
7. Market Appeal
Current Trends: Consider furniture styles and colours that are currently popular (e.g., mid-century modern, farmhouse, minimalist).
Resale Potential: Think about the target market and the likelihood of a quick resale once refinished.
8. Ease of Transportation
Size and Weight: Ensure you have the means to transport the piece back home or to your workspace. Large or heavy pieces may require delivery or extra effort to move.
This checklist should help you find good candidates for profitable flips!
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[@bfranklin1052]

I'd go thrifting with you anytime, Katie. Always an education.

[@ChristinaMuscari]

Loved shopping with you today. Such good tips!

[@salvagedbykscott]

Yay! Thank you!

[@AuntieBrendaWashington-tp5mq]

Can’t wait to see you work your magic 🪄!

[@Pinkstinkie]

You are just so fun to hang out with Katie. You are so friendly while letting us pick your brain.

[@Pipscape]

I Love love the little antique dresser! It's what I would take home. The lines are classic and clean, and the smaller size is perfect for smaller houses or small rooms. 🥰

[@valeriehowden471]

Glad you picked this one. I also love the hidden drawers. Too bad i don't live closer to you cause I'd buy it in an instant! Cheers from Winnipeg.

[@tracyoduinn9438]

I cant wait to see this one. I love that style of drawers behind a door

[@nancyanneberg403]

Have to love this trip,just for the education you bring. Thank you. Sitting here getting thru covid for the first time has cheered me on. Really cools the wobleys and the whingeing.

[@rnithuigim5768]

This reminds me of looking at sewing patterns with my girls when they were young “look past the color to see the actual structure and design”. Love hearing your thought process when deciding what to buy

[@trudyeby464]

Can't wait to see the outcome!

[@galebecker3487]

Thanks Katie❤very useful video x

[@monicahernandez2876]

I can’t wait for you to flip this piece! I’m so excited to see what you come up with. I always love your end results. 😊

[@gracesheldon6583]

I have one of those at home! Can’t wait to see it done !

[@doudou53d44]

Interesting furniture. Can’t wait to see what you will be doing with it.

[@rachelk2169]

I'm so looking forward to what you do with this piece. I was just looking up various ideas tonight as I have at least three or more of this type in storage (between lowboys and armoires). Then ironically you buy one on your thrift haul. They are so common to find in my area as they look so dated and chunky that not many people seem to want them. I cannot wait to see how you transform it and also learn a thing or two in the process! ❤

[@kimolsen1328]

Use the cute little mailbox for a tool organizer in your garage, hang tools and put stuff inside. Would love one for my garden tools. Know I’m going to have to look for one😊 Great info. as usual❤

[@dyanalayng5507]

Always fascinating to see what you look for, Katie. I never see this amount of furniture at our local Goodwill or even the Salvation Army thrift store. When I lived in Hamilton though, there was a thrift store which did have furniture and displayed in groupings. When you say MCM, I always expect to see teak furniture. Re French Provincial - saw a gorgeous dresser in turquoise with gold accents on FB Marketplace. Looked like original or old colouration. Useful in a living room. No room, no room alas.

[@pamelaflynn1129]

You're adorable! My mom recained her dining room chairs when I was a kid and got the reno bug then. I got a maple wood dresser from a woman closing up her flipping business to move out of state. I used flat wall paint because I loved the color on the wall. Unfortunately, it was not the same color on the dresser now used a dining hutch. I plan to repaint it soon. I would like to find a proper dining hutch in my price range. No luck yet. I purchased 4 MCM dining room chairs at an auction, but I'm not sure I'll keep them. I'm trying to decide if I sell them unfinished or rehabed.

[@ElaineWood-f2t]

I think most of us here agree that it would be a blast to go thrifting with you! You are my hero for wrangling that big old high boy out of your car! I'm not sure if I could do that all by myself. Not gonna lie. 😂

[@HisBlueEyedBlondie]

Loved this one. It was so cool to hear your brain at work. Thanks so much for this one.

[@lindahunter842]

Love watching you thrifting

[@novembermiss]

Can't wait to see you transform this tallboy and remove all the plastic goofiness/trim to make it look fresh and current! You have such a discerning eye--there were a couple more pieces that I thought would have been great possibilities, but after you pointed out the negatives, I understood a little better why you choose the pieces you do. These thrifting videos are always fun ones--I also like when you do the annual neighborhood curbside bulk trash days too!

[@salvagedbykscott]

There's a new bulk trash video coming SOON!

[@cleopatracatra2097]

@@salvagedbykscott yay!

[@dyanalayng5507]

Always fascinating to see what you look for, Katie. I never see this amount of furniture at our local Goodwill or even the Salvation Army thrift store. When I lived in Hamilton though, there was a thrift store which did have furniture and displayed in groupings. When you say MCM, I always expect to see teak furniture.

[@juliekaplan4713]

Can’t wait to see the results!

[@pamboone6921]

Hi Katie, You would be so awesome to go shopping with on used furniture, I’d have a blast! Aww yes on the mailbox! Oh jeez, can’t pass something so gorgeous by. Please make we see it too along with your tall boy! Good video,,,❤

[@pamelabailey6663]

Yeah! I love these videos!

[@leedavis-clark2946]

Love your thrifting videos! I always learn something new

[@salvagedbykscott]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@jill552]

Good video. I hope you show us the armoire flip.

[@melodymulhall7860]

I was so glad you bought that piece. I was hoping to see this one. I have a sewing machine 1970 cabinet with the very same plastic moulding front and I’m hoping you will show me just how to flip it. It’s walnut otherwise and lovely.

[@AnnetteDechant]

Loved this!❤

[@shelly1224]

I always gain so many tips from your videos. Thanks

[@salvagedbykscott]

Happy to hear that!

[@lynnbleasdale5824]

That was fun! Thanks, Katie

[@salvagedbykscott]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@akmb8211]

Excellent !

[@ginagonzalez6547]

Hi, this is the first time i watch your channel, if you dont mind spending a few dollars, maybe you can rent a uhaul van or mini truck for when you go furniture shopping. Its only $19.00 for the whole day so its worth it, plus you would give your car a break. Either that or trade your small car for an suv or a van.

[@Bluegrassprincess]

That was informative. I saw a full bed today without rails. I almost bought it but I had the same thought. I want to see what you do with that motel armoire

[@kimhough7753]

Can’t wait to see what you turn her I nto! 🥰🥰🥰

[@cyndij8312]

That was fun. My local Restore prices thing too high. I've seen dressers that clearly need to be refinished for $200.

[@bettenotap4791]

We have a Toyota Rav but also a 4x8 ft box utility trailer, it comes in very handy to pick up stuff.

[@nccrchurchunusual]

Wow that is a nice thrift store.

[@gingerdunn6590]

Can't wait to see what you do with the chest . Prayers 🙏 and Love From Ginger

[@AuntieBrennie]

Great advice! THANK YOU! B~}

[@salvagedbykscott]

You are so welcome!

[@veronicarusso5564]

Hi Katie 😊

[@pamelapeoples975]

Turn that bed into a bench.....and it will sell quick. Btw thanks great video.

[@fmallow2727]

Hi Katie, I'm in Europe, can you tell me what is MCM , enjoying your shopping tour. 😊

[@salvagedbykscott]

MCM is a common abbreviation for Mid Century Modern 😉❤️

[@susananthony2366]

Kate on that Bassett dresser. Take a top drawer out and check the underside of the top. It may be solid and would match the body of the piece. Especially if the drawers are solid matching wood. Bassett went through a time of promoting more durable tops.

[@jacquelinepokoo8659]

Could uiu do another video of going around tge neighbour hood and getting furniture that has been put out for collection

[@Laurel-h6c]

This is very interesting. Your eye for what would be right to flip is so good. Thank you for educating us. Would you consider a Q&A sometime. I’m sure your fans have questions.

[@salvagedbykscott]

There are a few really detailed Q&A videos on the channel already that cover pretty much anything and everything you could think of! Definitely worth checking out of you've got the time.

[@diannahartin8394]

❤️

[@LynnTyner]

❤

[@danacaruso8740]

I’m just beginning’s. What is MCM? Thx!

[@pansepot1490]

Mid-Century Modern I think. Google it so you can see images of the style.

[@trudyeby464]

Mid Century Modern

[@summersteinke5340]

Mid century modern

[@wendyhale2189]

You live on a really pretty street.

[@wiggycarter]

I'm pretty sure that piece you bought is called a chest of drawers

[@salvagedbykscott]

That much I know. I just wasn't sure of there was another name for the drawers behind the doors. There must be a specific term for it but I still haven't been able to find one, lol.

[@wiggycarter]

@@salvagedbykscott I've only heard them called that, but not to say there's another name. Regardless, I'm sure you are going to make it a lovely piece. Perhaps a bold color??

[@littlemissy8356]

That store is expensive.

[@cleopatracatra2097]

prices are in Canadian dollars. $150CAD is about $108USD

[@gemmac.8986]

Your thrift videos are my favorite … so helpful !!!