Making the transition from a DIY ‘er into a full or part-time Furniture Painting Business has it’s challenges. One of the questions I’m frequently asked is How Do I Price My Painted Furniture?
Although I’ve been re-styling furniture on and off for many years, I haven’t been selling my pieces for all that long. This business is relatively new to me and I’m the first to admit I still have a lot to learn. This does not exclude how to price my work. For now, I price my pieces on the conservative side without apology. This is probably because I’m a ‘Bargainista’ at heart and I LOVE passing on affordable deals.
With that said, I know first hand, if you’re painting and selling furniture for profit, pricing your one-of-a-kind pieces can be confusing.
The basic formula: (cost of piece) + (supplies used) + (time/mark-up) = $$PRICE doesn’t always work. And this is especially true if you’re just starting out. There are so many variables and factors to consider… and for all of you who asked, here are my thoughts on just a few of them…
Punching a Time clock. The other week, M-M-M innocently asked me how many hours it took me to complete a piece of furniture. I shrugged my shoulders because I didn’t have an exact answer. Some pieces I finish quickly and other pieces seem to take me forever!
I’m well aware that in any venture, time equals money. The longer it takes me to find, prep and paint a piece of furniture, the less profit I make. However for now, I need to let my business grow organically while enjoying the process and creativity… without punching a time clock to determine my pricing. I know that in time, my furniture painting techniques and skills will become faster and profits will continue to increase.
If punching a time clock is going to discourage you from moving your business forward, consider looking at your pricing strategy differently. Enjoy the process and know the gap between time spent and pricing will soon close organically.
Pricing in Winter Spring Summer Fall … and Other Occasions. The last 2 months my sales have been down due to freezing cold weather. Living in the snow belt of Southern Ontario, we’ve been having -30°C temps with snow storms galore! Who wants to venture out and shop in this?… not me!
Keep in mind the weather, seasons and holidays may increase or decrease sales. Being aware of yearly trends while while being flexible with your pricing is a great strategy to keep your income flowing.
A Dollar Saved is a Dollar Earned. I’m always on the look-out for furniture I can refinish. And I look for the lowest price and best deals possible. I also keep track of the cost of supplies used for each job. This information is then factored into my asking price. The old saying “A Dollar Saved is A Dollar Earned” is very true in a furniture painting business. If I find a great piece for $25 at a garage sale rather than pay $125 for a similar piece online, my dollars saved have turned into income.
If you can minimize your initial expenses without sacrificing quality, you will earn more per sale.
Increased Confidence = Increased Income. As my skills develop and I gain more experience, my confidence level is growing. I’m feeling comfortable asking more for my one-of-a-kind pieces and painting services. Also, I find I’m not as quick to lower the price on items that don’t immediately sell.
As your skills and confidence improve, so will your income! This is a natural progression. If you’re just starting out, be kind and patient with yourself. Everything takes time and that includes growing confidence in any new venture.
Pricing What Sells Fast. I created a chalkboard from a $5 mirror and sold it for $100 + delivery within hours of posting it online. After it sold, I received numerous requests asking if I had any others just like it. The old adage of supply and demand applies in every business. I could have priced it a little more aggressively but more importantly, I wish I had duplicated it!
If you notice an item is selling quickly and in demand, price accordingly. By the way… if you know where I can buy these corner pieces… please let me know!
Compare Yourself to Yourself but Don’t Compare Yourself to Others. I find it extremely beneficial to network with other furniture painters. Networking and developing friendships with other DIY’ers and business owners encourages me to learn, grow, gain inspiration, and gauge asking prices. But I sometimes fall into the trap of comparing myself to all the fabulous talent out there! As my very wise sister likes to remind me; compare myself to myself and not to others. I may or may not be pricing my painted pieces for the same dollar amount as the furniture painter who’s been painting for 20+years… and that’s okay.
Keep yourself focused on developing and improving your skills and business while enjoying your own path and journey.
Location & Market. Know your area and your target audience. If you paint a piece of furniture and placed it in a NYC Boutique, it may quickly sell for $1200. If you shipped that same piece of furniture to a Flea Market in a quiet rural town, it may take 2 months to sell for $200. Take your location, venue and target market into consideration when pricing your furniture.
Passion + Purpose = Profit. I didn’t start this business as a get rich quick venture. I LOVE thrifting for great furniture bargains, salvaging for fabulous furniture finds, painting and re-styling, meeting wonderful clients for custom jobs, staging, photographing, blogging and writing tutorials. This is all FUN for me! I can spend an entire afternoon painting yet it feels like 45 minutes has flown by.
Are you in it for the love or the money? If your in this business for the money and you’re not loving what you do, you will most likely have a difficult time. I’m a believer that Passion + Purpose =Profit… IN ANY BUSINESS!
If you’re just starting out, or if you’ve been in this business for some time, feel free to chime in with your thoughts. I always learn something new from your comments and I would love to hear your thoughts on pricing!
Enjoy your day!
Denise x
Hello again... I'm so happy you dropped by! Let's keep in touch! Follow me on social media or sign up for a dose of furniture painting inspiration and diy tutorials. :) 
I just finished two pieces for my own home and I loved the process! I started out just wanting to repurpose a few items for my home and I didn’t expect to love creating something so unique. As I was sanding and polishing I couldn’t help but think about doing more! Your article really got me thinking about doing more and selling them! So, thank you!
It’s addictive isn’t it Lori…hehe. Best of luck on your furniture journey. xo
Hi there, great post ! I was painting furniture over 30 years ago and just started back up again. From your experience what pieces in particular sell best ? Sideboards, chairs, dressers, end tables ? Do you notice that any one in particular is most saleable ? Thanks!
Hi Catherine! How wonderful you’ve taken back to painting again! 🙂 With all your experience, I’m sure your pieces are stunning and anything you do will be a hit! For me, dressers, buffets, china cabinet and night tables sell nicely, but that could vary from place to place. I don’t do many dining table and chairs (although I use to and they sold very well!) because chairs are probably my least fav thing to paint. I would suggest testing your market and see what sells best in your area.
How does everyone sell your furniture on line..do you ship or only sell locally? I also sew so I can recover cushions and add pillows, etc. Those are easy to sell and ship..but the really nice pieces, I would think you need a storefront? No? Just wondering. Thank you.
I sell locally Maureen but yes, some people do ship of they sell online – like Etsy for example. 🙂
I’m SO glad I found your post! I’ve been painting / refinishing / saving furniture for just over a year now, mostly to furnish my own home. But I found it to be a nice, relaxing activity that helps the winter pass by and the time I’m home alone also. So.. I recently decided to try and sell some pieces. I JUST made my first sale and I’m so happy this is a reality! I had little confidence it would sell at all, let alone in the first 12 hours online! Apparently I can stand to charge a little bit more in the future 😉 Thanks for this article & the advice, & LOVE your pieces you shared here. Thank you!
Congrats Kim! The first piece I sold holds a special place in my heart too. All the best to you in your furniture adventures. 🙂
This information is so helpful! It makes it seem doable for me to start a business. I have wanted to start one and now I think I could follow my passion! Thank you!
I have been painting and selling pieces for about 6 months. I have had a few people tell me that I am undrrpricing my furniture. However when I try raising prices no one seems interested. I am selling on Craigslist and a few other similar sites. I would lover to have a vendor booth, bit I don’t have enough inventory. Any thoughts?
Hi Jen! Haha…I get it! I still have people saying I should price higher and I’ve been doing this for 3 years! It’s a huge compliment when people say your painted furniture should be priced higher but you have to do what feels right for YOU. Six months in this business is not that long – you’re just starting out and still learning, and by the sounds of it, you’re doing amazing! Many people who try their hand at this never even sell one piece! Increasing your prices comes with time and experience, location, venue, clientele, and so much more. Be kind and patient with yourself. x
Hi! Just a quick question. How long do you think a person should wait before dropping the price on an item they are selling? I’m currently selling an old dresser and I have it advertised on quite a few Buy & Sell websites here in SE Minnesota. There’s been some interest but I’m not sure if it might be priced a little high?
This is one of those grey areas and it really depends on the seller. In my opinion, if there’s been some interest in a piece, it shows it’s not unreasonably prices… it just hasn’t found it’s perfect new owner yet. 🙂 However, some furniture painters who have limited space; so moving pieces is extremely important. If they don’t get their asking price within a few weeks, it gets lowered so the inventory can keep moving. My best advice – do what feels right for you!
Thank you so much for the great tips! I’m in central Ontario and love seeing other women from Ontario who love doing what I do as well! Have you tried stockade.ca? Or LeeValey? I know Stockade have them – http://www.stockade.ca/Appliques_c_40639.html
Thanks again!
Hi Stacy! LeeValley I shop at all the time but this is the first time I’ve heard of Stockade! Thank you so much!!! 🙂
Hello Denise and THANK you for this post. Pricing is such an issue for most of all that this has gotten so many comments over the past 2 years! For me it has gotten harder and harder to find pieces at reasonable prices so that has to reflect in the price I sell them for.
Now, about the moldings. Hope this will help some of you. I make my own in different ways. Use them in my flipped pieces and also sell them along with other “embellishments”. They are an easy (and inexpensive) way to up-lift any piece!!
I wish I could post a picture so you all could see how nice they come up – but I can’t.
So here is the deal: buy several chocolate/candy silicone molds. Make some cold porcelain (many recipes in Pinterest). Leave the paste white or do like I do, paint the paint in a shade of brown. I add some Plaster of Paris to the paste to make the final molding harder but be careful no to add too much as it will dry the paste too fast and make the pieces crack. Let them dry for several days before you glue them to your furniture. I use carpenter’s glue. Keep in mind that cold porcelain shrinks quite a bit as it dries.
I know that any of you who will give this a try would be delighted and will see that this embellishments would add value to your creations!!
Love this Marisol! Thanks so much for sharing. I definitely want to try this! 🙂
Hi, I just finished re-painting a coffee table using chalk paint for a neighbor of mine. I’m trying to figure out what to charge for it. I have the paint & the wax that I used listed but not sure what to charge for the labor of it. I was wondering if you had any suggestions. Thank you 🙂
Michele, I’d love to be able to give you a magic number but unfortunately that would be irresponsible of me because so many factors come into play when it comes to pricing. The best advice I can give is do a little research on what other furniture painters are charging in your area and then adjust in accordance to your experience. And keep in mind, whatever you decide to charge now WILL increase in the future. I wish there was someone there to point this out to me when I first started because it may have saved me some stressing. 😉
Hi and thanks for the great advice! I was wondering if you sell your furniture in a shop or online. I love repurposing and painting and reinventing furniture and I have tried craigslist, but most people want a real bargain on there. I am just not sure how to sell or market it.
I do sell my furniture online (Craigslist & Kijiji) but often it gets purchased before I have a chance to post it. I feel very blessed that I have a following here on the SI Blog and social media that keeps an eye out for my recently finished pieces. Having said that, where you sell your furniture is a very personal choice Jen. Flea Market Booth, Etsy, Website, Social Media, Craigslist, Craft Shows, Stores…there’s a long list. However, it’s best to find the outlet that best suits your business model right NOW. This doesn’t mean it won’t change in the future as your business grows.
I am so glad I came across your web page, I am always critical of my work and constantly compare against others, but your comment about comparing to myself has made me realise I shouldn’t be so critical…
We creative souls are often our own worst critics. When I catch myself comparing my work to other furniture painters, I try to step back and compare myself to myself. Am I improving – am I continuously learning – am I growing – am I having fun? If you ask yourself these questions and the answer is yes – give yourself a pat on the back and huge kudos because you’re on the right track. 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing your experience and information with us. I’ve been painting and selling furniture for quite a few years and pricing is always a struggle. I absolutely love what I do and feel very blessed that I am able to do what I love as my job. And I get paid to do it! There’s nothing more rewarding to me than to see a customer love what I’ve done with their furniture. I just need to work on valuing my time and talent better and to not feel guilty for charging ‘too much”. What can I say? I’m a work in progress!
By the way, for the corner furniture appliqués, go to http://www.efexusa.com. They have a beautiful selection of all kinds of appliqués from corners to swags to drops and on. And their pricing is very good.
Thank you!
Thanks for this Suzi! … and we’re all a work in progress aren’t we! 🙂
Denise,
Another Denise here. Thank you so much for this posting. These are all important things to remember when considering pricing our “treasures.” It is so hard when you put so much time and attention into them and you love them so much they begin to look priceless to you. It’s important to remember business principles when you are creating art.
This was a great article…you nailed it on the head! Most of it was confirmation of what I knew already, but having it written and expressed by someone else going through (or went through) the same thing is encouraging! I also have questions about shipping so I’m going to check the link you shared in the reply. There are many painters who seem to have success selling online via etsy and shipping, but with such large packages…it’s daunting! lol I’m glad I stumbled across this. Thank you!
Thank you Denise, not only for sharing such valuable insights and experience but for also staying connected with your posts even years later. That is so professional and amazing!! Usually when a post gets older, say a year, the blogger doesn’t bother to respond to questions anymore even though they leave the post viewable. So if anyone new comes along and has a question, they’re just out of luck.My question had to do with the bother and expense of shipping but your new reply to Nicole on 2/1/2016 answered it perfectly. I’ve happened across some of your posts in the past but because my inbox is so full, I haven’t subscribed as yet. But I think I will, now.
Thank you for the huge compliment Christine… much appreciated! And I totally get it with the full inbox! I’m super particular to what I subscribe to also. Whether you decide to subscribe or not, the blog is always here for you to drop in and take a peek. 🙂
Hello! I am new to painting old furniture and giving it a “facelift” I have never sold any pieces, I have only revamped pieces for my own home. I get a lot of compliments on my items and I have thought about selling. My question is, where do you sell your furniture, and how do you ship if you sell out of state? The thought of shipping large pieces like dressers scares me, what if it gets damaged during its travels? Thanks to anyone who gives me some insight 🙂
The thought of shipping large pieces of furniture scares me too Nicole. I don’t do it. I sell locally and offer p/u or delivery. Having said this, I know plenty of furniture painters who DO successfully ship their furniture. Here’s a link to shipping furniture from my friend Suzanne at The Painted Drawer which may help you out. 🙂
By the way… if you know where I can buy these corner pieces… please let me know! Would these work? buymbs.com/p-4493-ekena-millwork-polyurethane-panel-moulding-corner-11in.aspx there is a drop down with other pieces also. I know this is an old post, just trying to be helpful.
They just might work Pennie…thank you!!!
Denise your blog nailed it.
My wife has been considering starting such a business, but as a career engineer I have had doubts as to the profitability potential.
However, the part of your article that spoke to not doing it as a business 1st, but doing it because u love it really hit home for me.
I have been vexed because I am expecting this “business” to turn profits immediately, but ur right. It’s best to star out without that expectation. Takes the pressures and stress off that may impact creative ideas or decisions.
I (we) thank you for sharing and blowing hope and practicality into our sails …. And saving us divorce attorney fees. Lol.
You Rock!
lol…thanks Lee. Wishing you and your wife all the best.
I just wanted to comment on how nice you are to share so much knowledge about furniture painting with your audience.
Thank you Susan… appreciate this! x
Hiii Denise I’m Denise too kkk I started recently but never sold any piece I love you tips and advices and I would like to ask you how to start posting my furniture and,where ? I’m from ny thank you
Hi Denise! Where to start posting your furniture is a loaded question because it all depends on your personal preference, personality type, resources, etc. I started by word of mouth (family, friends and referrals) then listed furniture for sale online, and then started getting sales via my website and social media. There’s always the option to start a booth at a vintage market or consign a few pieces at local shops. There are plenty of choices. But my best advice is to start with what your comfortable with and focus on honing your craft while enjoying the process. Best x
I have just started this and so far I am loving it. I really liked this blog entry because it is exactly what I’ve been saying all along. If by the end of this project (10 dining room chairs and a pedestal table) I am still loving it I am going to continue to do it and sell some pieces! Only because there is only so much space in my home to put the pieces and I wouldn’t be able to keep them all!! Do any of you have trouble parting with your pieces? I feel as though that would be quite hard!
I do Emma! If I had the space, I’d probably keep half my stuff…lol. 😉 All the best on your new furniture painting venture.
This is inspiring!
Great tips. Enjoyed reading your posts! Thanks!
Love this! I am always worried that I’m going to scare away a customer with a price. Many people don’t realize the time and effort it takes to complete some projects. I do redo furniture that I buy and sell it but I also distress/paint to order for people on their own furniture. My problem is knowing what to charge to paint one of a customers pieces for them. What would you suggest a good going rate would be?
Yikes, that’s a loaded question Mandy. Furniture painters can charge anywhere between $15-$40/hour depending on their experience, location and clientele. Also, some painters include the cost of paint and supplies in a quote while other painters give a base rate per piece, but then paint/supplies are additional. When I started, I found it VERY beneficial to do research in my area to see what others were charging for similar pieces. 🙂
Great advice, thank you so much. I have long thought about trying to sell the projects I like to work on. When I find myself daydreaming of buying and refinishing a piece and I don’t even have room for it in my house- maybe it’s time to start selling!! I think I’m finally ready…
I was so pleased to find this site as I needed some direction in my new found love. I started to distress
furniture pieces with encouragement from my daughter because I needed a lot of dental work and had no money to pay for the huge expenses. I am almost 72 years old and I am loving the creativity and finished product. I get pieces wherever I can but mostly at garage sales. I have not sold anything yet but have completed about 10 pieces.
Thank you,
Dolores Gilliam
Hi there Delores! I’m so pleased you’ve found the SI Blog too…welcome! 10 pieces – WOW – it sounds like you’re on a roll. 🙂
You literally put everything that is going through my head into words. I love painting furniture for people so it is so hard to price. I am just curious about what you think is a resonable rate to pay yourself hourly. I have 5 years experience and I make my pieces to stand up to wear and tear. I was thinking $30 and hour but I don’t know is that too little or will people think that is to high?
Cahely I agree – pricing can be a challenge! $30/hr is reasonable for all the work that goes into restyling. However, the area/venue you sell your painted furniture from will help you determine whether your clients think it’s ‘too little’ or ‘too high’. 🙂
Hi Denise, I’m just starting out a refinished/painted chair biz and wondered what your favorite paint brand/types are.
Susan, I use a lot of different brands depending on the look I’m after. A few of my favorites are Sherwin Williams All Surface Enamel Paint, General Finishes Milk Paints, Miss Mustard Seed’s Milk Paints + Homestead and Old Fashion Milk Paints, Annie Sloan Chalk Paint, and my very own DIY Chalky Paints. I suggest experimenting with different brands until you find the ones you really like to work with. 🙂
Hello. I’m glad I have found this website as I am also looking to start a furniture painting business. firstly, im going to paint the furniture I have at my house as I have no idea if i am any good.
One question i do have though, where did you start off painting your furniture? i only have a small two bedroom house with a small garden, and no garage etc.
thank you
I’m actually VERY luck! My entire basement has been turned into a studio with a designated sanding area, paint room etc. Having said this, I didn’t start off this way…lol. Many furniture painters start restyling furniture in their bedroom with a drop cloth for protection. I know other painters who have No room in their homes but wait for idea weather to be able to paint outside. Where there’s a will, there’s a way. 🙂 I’m wishing you all the best with your new business Amy!
Thank you so much for your comments and insight . I’m not planning to open a business to paint furniture but I’ve recently inherited furniture from my mother. I’d love to keep it all but theres no way my house can accommodate all of the furniture she had therefore I’ve decided to paint and sell some of the things I can’t keep. This blog was very helpful in allowing me to figure out how to price the things I wish not sell.
Thanks Lisa
Hi all,
Do any of you know where there are outlets for real wood used furniture warehouses etc, purchasing the furniture pieces at a very discounted price and maybe purchasing in a small bulk.
Getting pieces of furniture at cheap source price to start with would give some scope in eventual selling cost.
I have been running a property renovation and developments for a number of years. Although i am still in this business looking to wind down that. I have been researching the painted furniture business for a few months. All your comments have been helpful.
Many Thanks
Dom
I guess it may depend on your location and what you have available in your area but many of us furniture painters purchase our pieces from craigslist, tag sales, yard sales, thrift shops, restores etc.
That was awesome! You just validated everything I’ve been experiencing and learning. My weak area is getting good photos.
So glad you found this helpful Susanne. 🙂
I also repaint furniture. I do have a hard time pricing it. I find piece that are discarded on the side of the road most of the time. Someone said I priced to low and some say I price to high. I want my pieces to sell but I also would like to make a profit like everyone else. I love your post and your furniture. I try and see what everyone else is charging and go from there.
thanks again,
Amy
Hi,
My question is where are you all selling your furniture?Denise, it looks like you have a shop. Talking pricing is one thing but are you selling to other merchants, online or are we talking about having store fronts of our own.
I have been doing this work for some time and would like to make it part of a business. My hope is to have a studio space where the pieces can be seen and purchased, as opposed to a store front, but I am interested in selling to other vendors as well. I am within 60 miles of NYC and Philadelphia.
Your thoughts and comments are very welcomed! I am originally from Canada (Winnipeg), but have no plans to move back so I won’t be a competitor.
Thank you!
Leila
Leila, I have a home based workshop/studio. I re-style furniture for clients and sell my creations online. At this time, I am not selling to other merchants. In a furniture painting business, there are numerous avenues to selling however the points made in this article still apply. Following your dreams and envisioning the type of business that works best for *YOU* is part of creating and growing a business. It sounds like you have a good handle on what type of business model is a good fit for you… Wishing you all the best!
This blog is helpful about pricing your furniture work. I’m just starting out myself after many years as a house/hotel painter. I just wanted to be fair with the pricing but don’t know the right price range for different types of furniture. Thanks for sharing your experience and input.
Amazing what you can find just by ‘Googling’! I’m just about to start my own little business painting and selling furniture. I’m very excited and very nervous. I live in Sydney, Australia (moved here from the UK 6 months ago). I too am wondering about pricing and where I will advertise. Facebook selling pages are very popular here but people want things for cheap prices. There is going to a being learning curve I think.
Hello Kristina in Sydney! Thanks for reading and I’m wishing you all the best with your new business!
I just started painting furniture. Started with a dresser and fell in love with the whole process. I just picked up a free piece the other day and my friend asked if I was going to sell it and for how much. Its not even painted yet, but I had no idea what to even say! Thanks so much for your insight!
Thanks so much for the great advice. How would you give a cost estimate on painting a table, 6 chairs, and china cabinet, the customer owns the furniture, just wants me to paint it, by the way, the customer is a close relative!!! Donna
I don’t often do this (because I like giving my 2¢ …lol) but I’m going to gracefully decline a direct answer Donna. When it comes to MY family, I don’t feel comfortable charging for anything other than the cost of supplies. Having said that, I have a small tight-knit family…and maybe I would think differently if I had a very large extended family that wanted/needed my services. If anyone reading this has any other opinions…please chime in!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and it so easy to get caught up in the pricing. I just started a year ago with the sole purpose of making art furniture pieces that were affordable to people that didn’t want to spend boutique prices. But then you start in getting all the supplies and add time investment and it throws you off. I show everyone I know each piece and ask them what they would pay for it and try to gage what is a reasonable price. It also depends on the quality of the original piece, unique pieces will always go for more than a plain piece simple repainted. But one thing we all need to remember is that we are artists and our talent doesn’t shouldnt be minimalized.
Great points and very well said Jenny. Heading on over to check out your work! 🙂
I’m just starting out in my furniture painting adventure. What’s the best way for a newbie to ‘advertise’ their pieces for sale? I tried a local online selling website, which is free, but people are looking for major bargains and Craigslist doesn’t draw a big crowd looking for painted furniture. I don’t think I’m ready for Ebay or Etsy just yet (or maybe I am…?), partially b/c I’m just starting out and don’t want to deal w/ postal fees, etc. jsut yet. Any suggestions on how to get my work ‘out there’ to interested buyers or should I take the plunge and list on Etsy or Ebay?
Excellent ways to advertise pieces for sale are through a website, social media, business cards, word of mouth from happy clients or friends. Setting up an online shop, a flea market booth, or attending antique shows etc is another way to get your work noticed. That being said Cathy… I feel the exact same way YOU do! When I’m not doing custom work, I also sell my items on Kijiji and Craigslist and I’m looking into different avenues. And I’ll be honest, I’ve been in business for a year and I still haven’t figured out my logo for my business cards. Sometimes we know what the next step “should be”, however it takes a little more time until the confidence and comfort-ability kick in and it gets done! My sister likes to remind me “WHEN YOU CAN-YOU WILL”. This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t step out of our comfort zone and try new things, but it’s good practice to focus on everything we have learned and accomplished rather than just on what we believe to be “lacking”. When you’re ready to “plunge”… you will. 🙂
Thank you Denise. I am SO ready for this ‘adventure’ but can’t seem to get the ball rolling. Perhaps that is the nature of the beast, as newbies, such as myself, start out. I’m trying different painting techniques but I think that the huge learning curve is THROWING me a curve ball! I don’t know what I don’t know yet as 6 pieces of in-dire-need-of-a-facelift pieces of furniture just sit and stare back at me! My first thought is to just finish the pieces I’ve purchased so far, but nothing is consistent as I try to hone in on the style and technique that works with me. Would it be better to focus on completing the pieces I already have before I consider putting anything up for sale? I’m transitioning out of a stressful 35yr career in healthcare, to refinishing furniture and I am SO ready to get started…(kinda of like CPR for furniture, ya?) I do not expect to make a lot of $ refinishing furniture, but I am ready to do something that I’ve always been drawn to, yet does not have that life and death stress attached to it. I chuckled when you mentioned how you can work all day on a piece and it only feels like 45 minutes! SO TRUE for me as well, as I do not consider this work at all! It’s incredibly peaceful and exciting all at the same time:)
CPR for furniture… I like that Cathy! 🙂 If time ‘flies by’ when your re-styling furniture, it sounds like your passionate about your craft. This means you’re already a step ahead of the game because many people don’t have a clue what they would like to pursue. And I don’t say this disrespectfully because I was one of them some time ago. Putting your first pieces up for sale can be intimidating. However, at some point it’s necessary to put yourself out there if you want to turn your passion into a business. I like the quote “You miss 100% of the shots you never take.” Take a shot Cathy… I’m sure you’ll be happy you did!!! 🙂
Hey Denise, I cannot tell you how very valuable this post has been for me. Like others who’ve commented, I am just starting out business-wise and am stymied about what to charge for pieces. It really is a subjective thing, fraught with all kinds of crazy colors – doubt, nervousness (is it too high, too low?) and lots of risk. The biggest challenge for me is deciding what my time and expertise are worth. I was a professional musician for a long time and after 20 years I still! have problems pricing gigs. Anyway, thank you for your insight!
Thank you for leaving this comment Allison. Many will relate to the way you feel! I received your email and will email you back. 🙂
Hi Denise,
Thank you for your post! I am just starting my own furniture painting business and have been doing mostly custom pieces so far, but have picked up “inventory” to start painting to sell. I would love to see a post on WHERE you sell your pieces and or your favorite finishes! I’m on Pinterest at Debbie Henke Green {Green Nest Decor}. I love following blogs and people on Pinterest for inspiration and knowledge. Thanks for sharing with the rest of us!! I am going to go follow you now 🙂
Thanks for the follow and taking the time to leave a comment Debbie! 🙂 Heading on over to give you a visit!
I agree with Debbie! Do you have any advice on how to sell the pieces and what pieces sell the quickest. I am considering buying a somwhat nice large desk with one missing handle and some small vainer chips for a $100. I think it will go for a good price but I am unsure since I am just starting out. I will have to take replacing the hardware into consideration. I just don’t know how a desk would cell. Any advice would be appreciated! Thanks
Dee your product is always gorgeous and your pricing is more than fair. You are a great role model and I am proud to have one of your gorgeous china cabinets as a centre piece in my home
Thank you Carole <3
By the way I believe you can find those mouldings at Chic Mouldings in the UK. I will be placing an order next month if you wanted to place an order with me. We can chat separately about the details if you want. Check out their website. All the mouldings are hard but can be made bendable/flexible with heat. They are my favourite mouldings http://www.chicmouldings.com
I’ll go check this out Carole… thank you!!!
Denise! What a great article! Pricing is one of the hardest parts of this business. Loving what I do, makes me want to do more and so I price accordingly. There is no greater compliment than to have repeat business! Your pricing strategy and thoughts are spot on! Keep up the great work. I love seeing all your great pieces.
Lynda
Thanks so much Lynda! And I agree, repeat business makes my heart smile too! 🙂
Great post! This is an ongoing battle of mine. I’m 18months into this journey and pricing is problematic. I’m constantly looking for good solid pieces at a good bargain price. So using the equation piece + materials + labor doesn’t work often. I’m doing more and more one-off pieces, and that is really hard. I have to find the right market, and be prepared to ‘sit on’ the piece longer. I also think that pricing too low can be a disservice to yourself, because I think people put value to the price? If you know what I mean eg. A ‘cheap’ piece of painted furniture can be interpreted as just ‘a cheap piece of furniture’. It’s an ongoing battle. Thank you for sharing in my pain!
Thank YOU for sharing and I agree 100% Diane! Finding the balance between pricing too high or too low can be a challenge. I know from experience that pricing too low can give the impression there is little to no value to a piece and pricing too high can deter clients/sales. I like to ‘research’ other painters prices and finding a middle ground that’s comfortable for me. I also try to keep in mind that what I’m charging now may not be what I’m going to charge 3,4 or 5 years into my business. It’s a journey of continuous growth…and that includes all my mistakes I’ve learned from. 🙂
Like you I price my items according to how much time and expense but I would rather sell quickly to move on to my next project … and it also gets me a lot of repeat business… I love that you take items that most people would not think to use and make it so lovely… I net work with a lot of re-purposier in my area not only to find great deals but to get great ideas…
thanks again for sharing all your wonderful idea… hi from california
Hello in California! I’m so glad you brought up the important point on pricing & repeat business! It’s important to offer quality and value… and building relationships is so important!
Thanks for sharing this great advice, Denise! My friend and I have just started a furniture painting/home decor business in Alberta and I really appreciate the honest and down to earth way you approach your blog and business. I share your passion and am learning from your experiences! Your business seems to be very similar to where we want ours to be one day. I will keep reading!
Thank you Becky! You made my day by leaving this comment! This is exactly why I started blogging…to share, inspire and learn from each other! I’m wishing you and your friend the very best in your new venture!!
thanks so much for the info, I have been painting for years and love it . I just decided to make it a business, I found what you said very true and heartfelt, thanks Anne
Thank you, and wishing you all the success in your start-up business Anne! <3
I was so glad to read this post! I always wonder about my pricing. I love finding a bargain and I like to make sure that my pieces are affordable for others to purchase. I started painting furniture a year ago and have been increasing my prices since then. Some pieces may take a while to sell but I find that it is more about the time of year. The best time of year for my pieces to sell is right now.
Teresa from Tessie’s Creations – Quilts and purses
Thanks for taking time to share Teresa! I think it’s important for others starting out to realize there’s a growing curve with pricing….along with everything else. 🙂 And if a piece isn’t selling right away; it isn’t cause to immediately drop the price. I admit, I’m always tempted to lower a price when a piece is taking time to sell, so I’ve been ‘practicing’ my patience!
Do you find you get people that want a new piece to purchase or that would like you to paint a heirloom they already own?