How to Price Used Furniture

Sadly, they don't care what you paid. It's "second hand" and you won't get near the value. I think you'd get $800 for it. We just moved and have been selling a lot of things so I have some recent knowledge of this. You might start at $950 and see where it goes from there. You never know...

This site recommends 20-30% of market price when new. So, by that math, $600-$900. You could always ask a little more and leave room for negotiation.

http://www.wikihow.com/Price-Used-Furniture

We sold some furniture on Craigslist and I agree that no one cares what you paid for it. Higher priced stuff doesn't sell. People always want to know why you are selling - if you are moving, that doesn't sound like there's anything wrong with the stuff, but they also know you are "desperate" and need to get rid of it.

Look for similar things on Craigslist to see what others are getting. Good photographs help a lot so take a few in good light and crop them well. Take some close-ups of the leather as well as some "distance" shots of the whole set, and the label that shows it's Lane. Some people put a yard stick or a metal tape measure on the furniture to show the scale and exact measurements (take a close-up of that).

You can also look into used furniture dealers - the advantage is they come and pick it up, the disadvantage is you have to pay for that and usually wait until they sell it. But if they have a lot of volume and they move stuff in 90 days, it might be easier than having a stream of people in your house. (Do be sure you have a friend or 2 with you if you have strangers in the house, and guard what's in other rooms - there's a scam where one person distracts the homeowner while the other person goes to the bathroom and then detours into the bedroom for your jewelry, that sort of thing!. We have done well with people coming in but you should be prepared.)

Depends on the area. You can look on craigslist and see what they are selling for in your area. Also expect people to offer a lower amount. You have to remember it's used and loses value, just like a new car that drives off the lot. It might be in great condition, but it's still "used". Good luck.

If selling on Craigslist or a local Facebook page, $600 would be a starting price. Expect $500.
I agree with other, no one cares what you paid. They're looking for a deal, just as you would be.
Good luck.

I would start out asking $1000. and be willing to negotiate. I know that may sound low but they are 6 years old and used. I would go a little less for the dining set (table and chairs) unless you have a hutch/china closet/buffet with it.

Generally, used items sell for 20%, unless you are a used dealer. So that brings you to $600.00. You may be able to bump that up a little if they are in mint condition and a new style.

Unfortunately, you lose value in everything as soon as you hang the "used" sign on it.

If you want it gone soon, you are looking around the $500-600 mark. Honestly, someone is doing you a favor by taking it out of your house, though I know that sounds unfair. No way would I pay $1500 for used couches, especially 6 years old at that. That's a long time for furniture to sit in someone else's house and then pay that much for it.

We bought two Broyhill reclining couches from a friend 8 years ago and she used them for 6 months, paid over $2k. We paid her what she asked, which was $500. They lasted us a good while but when we moved, we upgraded. We just gave those away...two homes, well loved, we just wanted them gone.

I know it being real leather helps though - is it top grain? We just purchased top grain leather couches in the fall and they cost us more than $3k...so I know it costs a lot for that leather, but it's worth it!

You can ask whatever you want, but I'd say $1500 is ridiculous.
I'd say $100-200 per piece. Max.
It's USED furniture, and not antique.

20-30% of original cost.

Used furniture (especially upholstery) is worth pennies on the dollar. You can ask what you want and see if you have any takers. The issues are 1) People get grossed out thinking what others have done on the couch/bed 2) finding a truck to pick-up and deliver 3) You can't meet at a safe location. The buyer has to go to the home and the seller has to let strangers into the home/garage.

If you have a way to deliver, then you can ask a lot more.

In my area we also have consignment furniture stores. Where they sell your furniture for you and you get the money. If the item doesn't sell in a specific amount of time the price goes down. Bottom line if it doesn't sell at all they give you a set amount much less and keep it moving. I'm not certain what exactly they do with it but they do manage to get rid of it and you get some cash in your pocket without the hassel of trying to price and sell it yourself.

If I were in your shoes, I would try to sell each piece individually and if someone is interested in the set then offer up the set or 2 pieces. The goal is to make them vanish by selling them. You may also consider taking them to a place like Good Will and getting the tax write off for charitiable contributions if you can do itemized deductions on your taxes.

I watched Storage Wars tonight. Once someone has bought a unit they take things out and decide how much it's worth on the market. Tonight I mostly saw wood furniture. No table and chairs. One unit had a table and chairs that didn't mstch. Each chair was worth $10. The table was worth $25. It was just a small simple wood table. The guy said that if the chairs had matched he could get $65 for the set. Since I don't know the style and quality of your set I can't say if this helps you any.

They have a really nice leather set at Costco for 900. Considering that is the price new I doubt you could get that much for your set used.

The best place to start is seeing what new costs. Obviously that Costco set isn't Lane but if you were choosing between new and used you probably wouldn't pay 600 more for used.

What is your motivation? Are you looking to pocket some cash? Are you simply tired of this set? Are you moving and want to start fresh?

You might want to call your salvation army, or something similar. they sometimes pick up large pieces of furniture from your home. You can get receipt for the donation. This might prove easier/ quicker/ a better net value than any sales effort. Here's their page listing suggested valuations for your donations.

http://satruck.org/donation-value-guide/furniture

Best,
F. B.