Whilst the 1920s saw the dawn of mass production, the 2020s have seen hand-me-downs and second-hand purchasing make a grand comeback. The UK furniture resale market is expected to grow by more than 40% before 2027, compared to just an 8% increase for the total furniture market. Buying brand new furniture might not be completely out of the picture, but buying pre-loved items is in.
There must be a reason why the act of buying second-hand furniture is becoming so popular. And actually, in this blog, we’ve put together 5 of them. From minimising your environmental impact to getting your hands on unique, characterful pieces, keep reading to discover the biggest benefits of buying second-hand hospitality furniture for your business.
Reduce your environmental impact
Whilst we’re all well aware of the environmental impact of the fast fashion industry, issues of sustainability surrounding the furniture industry are just as prevalent. It can take a thousand times more CO2 to produce new furniture as opposed to refurbishing it, and yet Brits throw away more than 300,000 tonnes of reusable furniture every year.
Across all industries, sustainability is becoming a priority for businesses and consumers alike. Any renovation project automatically brings with it a huge increase in your carbon footprint, so buying second-hand furniture is a great way to minimise your refurbishment’s environmental impact. By buying a second-hand sofa, bed frame or wardrobe, you’ll be extending their life cycle, keeping them out of landfill, and minimising your contribution to the ever-growing demand for new products. This will showcase your hospitality business’ commitment to environmental responsibility to your customers, something which is becoming increasingly valued by them.
Save money
One of the most obvious advantages of buying second-hand furniture is the cost. Preloved furniture is significantly cheaper to buy than new, which allows you to spend your budget elsewhere – a real boon when setting up a new business or investing in an expensive refurbishment. Often, the furniture has been lightly used in professional settings and still retains both its functionality and beauty.
By purchasing pre-owned pieces, you can achieve the high-quality look your hospitality business needs without the hefty price tag. But not only that: new furniture depreciates in value as soon as it’s purchased, and second-hand furniture, much of the depreciation has already occurred, meaning its resale value will hold steadier if you decide to upgrade or change your setup down the line.
You may even be able to buy furniture in bulk from a hotel or hospitality clearance auction, where a fellow business will be selling their assets in preparation for liquidation or a renovation. This will mean you can buy all of your dining chairs, for example, in one go – saving time and ensuring they all match. The furniture you buy at auction will be in good condition – they won’t be broken and barely saved from landfill. Their life with their previous owner may be coming to an end, but that doesn’t mean they won’t suit your business down to the ground.
Fast availability
We’ve all felt the frustration of extended lead times when buying furniture, especially with things like sofas. For large establishments, it’s likely that you’ll need a large amount of furniture, which can extend lead times even further. You’ll also be subject to manufacturing and shipping delays which could end up impacting your schedule and even pushing back your grand opening.
Second-hand furniture, on the other hand, is generally available immediately. This quick turnaround can be a lifesaver, especially if you’re working with a tight deadline. Buying your second-hand furniture at a hospitality clearance auction can also be very speedy and ideal for tight deadlines, as there will be a set, planned auction date. Once the auction has been held, sales can be completed quickly, meaning you’ll get your furniture with a quick turnaround.
Support local businesses
Many second-hand furniture sellers are local businesses or independent vendors. Every pound spent at a local business circulates within your community, supporting other small businesses, creating jobs, and fostering economic growth. Unlike mass production manufacturers or global retailers, local furniture vendors often reinvest their earnings back into the community, contributing to its overall prosperity – which is certainly in your own best interests as a local hospitality business.
You’ll also be supporting local skilled tradespeople, such as upholsterers and woodworkers, who often work with second-hand furniture sellers to refurbish and maintain their inventory. Demonstrating a commitment to supporting local businesses in this way can enhance your reputation as a responsible and community-focused brand. Customers appreciate businesses that give back to their community, and this goodwill can translate into increased loyalty and positive word-of-mouth.
Get your hands on unique pieces
Buying second-hand furniture comes with a lot of benefits with regards to the environment, cost savings, and the local community. However, even if you took those away, there are still some serious benefits to buying second-hand. Cookie-cutter, mass produced fast furniture is commonplace in today’s society, not least of all in hotels where every room ends up looking the same with the same furniture in the same configuration. If that’s the look you’re going for, great – but there is so much beauty in buying unique, vintage, charming and characterful pieces of furniture for your hospitality business.
Curating each room with its own unique style and atmosphere will give your hotel personality, as will mixing and matching tables and chairs for different parts of a pub or restaurant. Buying second-hand furniture can help you to create a memorable, distinctive ambience that allows you to stand out amongst your competitors and give your guests a reason to return. This sense of personality and authenticity just can’t be replicated by mass-produced furniture.
Sustainable hospitality clearances with The Hotel Clearance Company
At The Hotel Clearance Company, we specialise in hospitality furniture clearance and soft strip demolition to help prepare your hospitality establishment for refurbishment, liquidation, or full demolition. We offer a sustainable, cost-effective, and comprehensive service which includes everything from an original inventory assessment to removal of your assets to selling via private treaty sales and auction.
To find out more about what we do and how we can help you to maximise your profits on your unwanted hospitality assets, simply get in touch with us today by calling 020 8123 8241 or filling in our online contact form and a member of the team will get back in touch to discuss your hotel clearance requirements.