How to Know If Furniture Flipping Is Worth It — The Spark That Starts It All: Flip Forward Series Ep 1

Val Frania:

Hello, this is Val Frania and this is the Flipping Furniture for Profit podcast. Today's episode is a little different from my usual ones. You're about to hear part one of my three part Flip Forward series. It's a special training that I created to help new and growing furniture flippers move from "Just figuring it out," to "I've got this." You can listen to this one right here. And if you'd like to watch the next two, they're video based and waiting for you at ValFrania.com/FlipForward.

And I'll tell you up front at the end of the series, I'll share an opportunity for those who want one -on-one help with me in a deeper community inside Furniture Flipping Blueprint. But these trainings can stand fully on their own. I'm sharing this because I remember what it felt like to be in your shoes, scrolling through videos, trying to separate the hype from the real help.

So let's kick this off with part one, "The Opportunity." Why furniture flipping still works, and how to make it work for you. Enjoy.

Let's talk about before you grab that paintbrush. Your flip begins long before the paint. It's an opportunity to create something beautiful. Yes. And I'm not just talking about furniture.

Hi. Welcome to the first video of the Flipping Forward series. This is where we take your ideas, your creativity, that little spark inside you and turn it into confidence, skill, and beautiful results you can be proud of.

In a bit, I'm going to show you exactly what to look for when choosing a project piece so you don't waste money, time, or even get frustrated before you even begin. Been there, done that. There was no Facebook Marketplace back when I started. At least it hadn't taken hold for anyone in business at that point. Things are different now, which means you have better options.

But first, let me ask you this. Have you ever seen a piece of furniture and thought that has potential? But then you stopped because you had no idea where to start? Maybe you ask yourself, "Do I just start painting? Or what if I ruin it? What if I mess it up?" That was me at first.

I had this old dresser in my basement with little teddy bears I had stenciled on it that we used in our nursery for many years. I have been stenciling for over forty, maybe fifty years. It was my go to back then, and every time I walked by, I'd say, "Someday I'm going to paint over those bears." Well, today I want to talk to you about something that I call "The Opportunity." It's the opportunity that's waiting for you when you become a skilled furniture flipper. Because when you do, it's not just about paint or tools or supplies. It's about what happens inside of you.

Those teddy bears, they were painted over on my very first flip. Right outside on my front lawn. Now that dresser sits in my guest room as a reminder of the courage it takes to try something new. I even painted a desk to match.

So why do I care about what's going on for you? Why do I create videos like this? I have spent many, many years mentoring new flippers who never believed they could be creative, and then watching them grow into confident artists, it's definitely my passion. I've been a teacher. I'm a mom of fifteen and now a furniture flipper and mentor. So to me, this isn't just about furniture. It's about sharing what I know and helping others to grow. It's about helping people rediscover their confidence, their purpose, and even the possibilities. I've been there. I've experienced the desire and the frustration of trying to figure it out all alone.

That first flip, that teddy bear dresser, I spray painted it and it took about thirty cans and a lot of patience. But I did it. And now I know how to do it all - right, do it better, and certainly less expensively.

Maybe you've scrolled Marketplace and thought, "I could do that." Then the questions come. "Where do I even find the right furniture?" "How do I know if it's worth buying?" "Do I need a workshop or expensive tools?" "What if I mess it up?" And just like that, the excitement fades. Most people think furniture is just painting. It's not. It's about confidence. It's creativity. It's a lot of work. And we can call it fun. When you learn to do it well, everything changes. You stop second guessing yourself. You start creating pieces you're proud of. You even realize you were capable all along. You just needed someone to show you how to do it the right way.

So what is possible? Furniture flipping is just a great way to enjoy your creativity. It can be emotional watching that piece go out the door. It'll give you mixed feelings because it really is a part of you. It can be financial to hold those dollars in your hand as you see that piece walk out that door. It definitely makes up for the sadness of letting it go. Trust me. And yes, it can be part of your story. Part of your legacy. But before any of that, you need to know how to pick the right pieces.

So here's how to avoid the junk and choose wisely. One. Check the structure. Is it sturdy? Does it wobble? Two. Look at the drawer joints. Dovetail joints are a sign of quality. Other detailed or hand-cut joints may mean you're looking at a very old and valuable antique. Three. Open the drawers. Do they fit well? Five. Look for damage you can't fix easily. Water stains or water damage. Mold. Mildew. Mildew smell. Bug holes? Walk away. Those are projects you don't need. Five. What is it made of? Solid wood? Great. Veneer over solid wood? Still great. Veneer over MDF or particle board? Not a deal breaker. Just know how to prep it. That's the important part. And don't get it wet or over sand it. You'll just end up with a mess. And heavy doesn't always mean solid wood. MDF can be very heavy too. So check the underside, the back, the inside, the drawers to know for sure. Six. Avoid thick chipping paint or peeling paint unless you're ready to strip it.

Bad prep equals more work for you. Pick cleaner pieces that you can easily and quickly flip, especially when you're just starting out. I see flippers choosing difficult pieces, and spend so much time fixing it that the return on investment, the ROI, has shrunk considerably. And if we're in the business to make money, why choose pieces that are extremely time consuming and challenging? Unless, of course, you're doing this to learn. That's great, but realize it will take time and money, so choose wisely.

Next, number seven, look past the color. Focus on the shape, the lines, the potential. The color may draw us in and have us go look at it. But it's not the color that matters because you're going to change that. So how about I give you a short, "Is it worth it?" checklist." It'll help you decide if a piece or even this whole journey is right for you. If you say, "Yes," to two or three of these, then maybe this really is your time to step out and try. So first off, you love creating or working with your hands. You enjoy making something beautiful again. You have a few spare hours each week and you'd love the extra income on your own schedule. This fits into our life. You want to feel proud of what you create. There's nothing like walking into a room and seeing something that you redesigned gives you a smile, every time.

I put together a one page PDF so you can download the printable checklist. You can find it below. After this video. So just click the button.

So what's next? In the next video we're going to talk about transformation where you start flipping with skill and confidence in what begins to change inside. And before I forget to ask, Would you please leave me a quick comment? Tell me, have you ever seen a piece and thought that was potential? But I don't know where to start. Or maybe you've already flipped some pieces. Tell me how it went. Your story might be exactly what someone else needs to hear. You might inspire them. You might encourage them.

I'll see you in the next video where we take the steps from hoping and dreaming. Doubt to doing. If you're stuck, let's get you unstuck and moving forward. Been there, done that. Plus, I map out specific steps of prep before you start painting and or staining. Yes, prep. Did I hear you groan just now? It's super important to do it right, and it's not as hard as you think. So have a great day! See you soon. And to all my subscribers, watch your inbox for a link to the next video. I hope this first part sparked something in you. Maybe a little excitement. Maybe a little, "I can do this."

The next step is waiting for you. Part two of the Flip Forward series. How you start thinking like a creative entrepreneur instead of just crafty. And yes, by the end of the third video, you'll hear about an opportunity to get personal support and hands on guidance inside my Furniture Flipping Blueprint, because some of you are ready for that kind of help, and I'd love to walk beside you if you are.

But here's the truth even if you never join a thing, I'll keep showing up here because I care about the newer flipper, the one who's hungry to learn and tired of all the noise. You deserve encouragement, not confusion. So go grab the next video and let's keep flipping forward. One brush stroke and maybe one good laugh at a time. Blessings.