How much might these couches be worth?

June 14, 2017 11:04 AM

I'd like to buy two couches. How much should I offer?

One has two seats; the other has three. Pictures here:

http://imgur.com/a/RhBSq

They're used, but in good condition and seem to be of a high quality. The current owner doesn't want them, and we'd organize their removal. So ... how much should we offer?

(I realize that you can't make a precise judgment just on the basis of pictures, but even a very rough estimate would be useful!)

posted by HoraceH to Home & Garden (11 answers total)

I have found used furniture pricing to be based on 2 things:

1. what the market will bear in the area where you live

2. what the crazy person selling the furniture "thinks" it's worth

Used couches are hard to get rid of. They are big, usually dirty and tired. Decent ones go for less than $100 (full size sofa) used here in Oakland at Salvation Army, Goodwill and various used furniture places.

Craigslist listings for the metro area closest to you should give you a pricing watermark for your area.

final answer... I'd go $250 max for the pair, but think you can do better.
posted by bobdow at 11:58 AM on June 14, 2017 [3 favorites]

I agree with bobdow up until the final answer. I'd offer way less. Maybe $150 if we were friends, and I valued the relationship.
posted by studioaudience at 12:14 PM on June 14, 2017 [3 favorites]

Go low. Couches are plentiful and of low value. You are doing a major favor by picking them up. If they attempt to sell on Craigslist or donate them they will be out time waiting around for pick up.
posted by readery at 12:18 PM on June 14, 2017 [2 favorites]

My top offer would be $200 max for both. I'd only go higher if delivery was included.
posted by I_Love_Bananas at 12:34 PM on June 14, 2017 [1 favorite]

I'd pay not more than $350.
posted by DarlingBri at 2:00 PM on June 14, 2017 [1 favorite]

$50-100 each, max.
posted by Slinga at 2:21 PM on June 14, 2017 [2 favorites]

It's actually hard to get rid of couches. 250 max for the pair.
posted by theora55 at 2:40 PM on June 14, 2017 [1 favorite]

I'd offer removal. If the owner doesn't want them, ask if you can have them and pick them up. Then negotiate from there. Because getting rids of sofas is a huge PIA. Unless the owner is one of those CL crazies who try to sell not-fabulous furniture for unrealistically high prices.
posted by Bella Donna at 2:53 PM on June 14, 2017 [2 favorites]

In case that isn't clear, I'd try to get them for free. And then pay, not a lot, unless you really really love these sofas.
posted by Bella Donna at 2:54 PM on June 14, 2017 [2 favorites]

Are they brand name pieces? Ethan Allen, etc? If so, they are worth a lot more, and the owner will be aware of that.
If they are generic, then any answer above is fine.
posted by SLC Mom at 9:47 PM on June 14, 2017 [1 favorite]

Response by poster: Thank you so much for all of your answers! We made an offer in line with your suggestions, and it was accepted immediately!
posted by HoraceH at 3:26 PM on June 19, 2017