How do I repair small damages on items I want to flip?

Updated October 2026 · How we answer

Short answerAssess the damage and decide if repair is worth it. For small tears, use fabric glue or iron-on patches; for missing buttons, replace them; for wood scratches, use wood filler or wax sticks. Always disclose repairs to buyers.

Clothing and Textiles

For small holes or tears, use a matching thread and a needle to sew a simple stitch, or use iron-on interfacing for a quick fix. For missing buttons, replace all buttons if you can't find an exact match, or use a decorative button as a feature. For hem repairs, use iron-on hem tape or stitch witchery. For moth holes, consider felting or embroidery to cover. Always wash and iron after repair for a clean look. If the repair is too complex or costly, it might be better to sell as-is with a note about the damage.

  • Use matching thread for small tears.
  • Iron-on patches work for quick fixes.
  • Replace missing buttons with a set.
  • For hems, use iron-on tape.
  • Disclose all repairs to buyers.

Furniture and Hard Goods

For wood scratches, use a wood filler stick or wax pencil that matches the color. For dents, try a damp cloth and an iron to swell the wood. For loose joints, apply wood glue and clamp. For metal items, use epoxy or super glue for small breaks. For ceramics, use a two-part epoxy, but note that repaired items lose value. Always clean and polish after repair. If the repair is visible, price accordingly.

Common mistakes

  • Using the wrong glue can damage the item further or leave a visible residue.
  • Over-repairing can reduce value; sometimes selling as-is is better.
  • Not disclosing repairs can lead to returns and bad feedback.
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