Don't be a Confidence Killer
Recently I came across a post by a flipper asking advice about her finished project. Jade wasn't sure about her design.
We often go through that, second guessing ourselves. It's a real thing, but usually unfounded. We want to turn out a beautiful piece and sometimes we are too hard on ourselves. If we look at it through the eyes of our customers, we would see it differently. Let's talk about Jade's post on FB. This is Jade >>>
This piece is an example of a very fine redesign that needed NOTHING else to make it desirable to a future client. Yet, comentors jumped on it and recommended some very bad advice... I say, be careful who you listen to.
Here is the original listing. I tried to comment, but once again, the comments were turned off. URGH! I ended up messaging Jade to let her know I thought her piece was exquisite and should NOT be changed.
The comments that frustrated me were the ones that said to repaint it. NO! Just no. Jade did a beautiful job and should have been complimented, not told to redo it. This piece is flawless and to suggest she repaint it is just...what's the word I need here? You tell me.
Here's some of the comments:
"All white." "All green." "No doors." "Too busy." "Add green to the top to balance it out." "The colors should be flipped."
And one this is my favorite. NOT.
"It’s a beautiful piece, just need to tie the top and bottom together better. You could have everything white/cream and only have the bottom doors green or the middle decorative part of the door the same color as the top and leave the rest of the entire bottom green."You could paint the top trim green as well."
People! Why is it that we are so quick to criticize?
Why Repainting a Beautiful Piece Isn’t Always the Answer
If you’ve been flipping furniture for any amount of time, chances are you’ve come across some well-meaning (but misguided) advice. "Repaint," is usually the first bit of advice given. Let’s just pause right there.
That’s bad advice.
Repainting a piece that’s already been thoughtfully and skillfully redesigned is not only unnecessary—it can actually set you back in time, money, and confidence. Furniture flipping isn’t about chasing instant gratification with constant rework. It’s about creating quality transformations and then learning how to market them effectively.
Here’s the truth: the problem usually isn’t the paint.
It’s the presentation, pricing, or platform. Or maybe things are just a bit slow right now and we need to be patient until the right buyer sees our piece and falls in love. Maybe the platform you are using hasn't shown it to many prospects and you need to change strategies. (I have something useful for you, so hang in 'til the end...)
Here Are a Few Things to Consider Before You Even Think About Repainting:
1. Is It Staged Well?
A beautifully staged photo can make all the difference. Use natural light, complementary décor, and clean surroundings to highlight your work. People don’t just buy furniture—they buy the feeling of what it can bring to their home.
2. Have You Written a Compelling Description?
Simply listing dimensions and colors won’t sell your piece. Speak to the lifestyle. Use words that evoke emotion, like “cozy,” “refreshed,” “timeless,” or “statement piece.”
3. Are You on the Right Platform?
Facebook Marketplace isn’t the only option. Try local vintage groups, Instagram, OfferUp, Craigslist, or even consignment stores. Some areas just have slower markets, so broader exposure might be key.
4. Is Your Price Strategic?
Pricing too high can turn people away, but pricing too low can devalue your work. Know your market. Factor in the quality of your piece, the materials used, and the craftsmanship you’ve invested. And if something’s been sitting too long, try a slight markdown before considering a repaint. (There are a few strategies to consider if you are contemplating a price change.)
5. Don’t Undo What You’ve Already Done Well
Jade had created something beautiful. Repainting wouldn’t have improved it—it would have just wasted her time and dulled her creative energy. And let’s not forget: constantly redoing pieces out of fear or impatience can steal the joy out of flipping altogether.
**We’re not in this to panic-paint.** We’re here to build skills, design confidence, and become better marketers of our work.
Your piece might just need the right eyes on it—not a new coat of paint.
Keep the Faith—And Keep Growing
Slow sales don’t mean you’re failing. They mean it’s time to pause, assess, and tweak your approach—not your piece. Keep God at the center of your business, trust the timing, and keep learning how to show up with excellence and purpose.
You’ve got what it takes—and your work deserves to be seen.
Ready to Learn the Marketing Side of Flipping?
If you’ve ever felt unsure about how to price, stage, write your listing, or boost your sales, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it out on your own. Inside Furniture Flipping Blueprint, I share A to Z redesign along with marketing tips and strategies that work—without the overwhelm. BUT, we'll talk about FFB later, after you request my PDF below.
Grab my FREE PDF that will help you plan a Facebook Marketplace sales strategy.
Go here >>> ValFrania.com/marketingchecklist
Blessings,
