AptDeco emerges as a transformative force in the furniture marketplace, addressing the common challenges encountered by buyers and sellers of used furniture online. Stemming from frustration and necessity, AptDeco's inception marks a pivotal moment in the industry's evolution.

AptDeco’s journey, from its modest origins to its expansive growth across new markets, showcases its commitment to simplifying the furniture-buying experience. Moreover, AptDeco's dedication to environmental sustainability underscores its role as a pioneer in reshaping consumer behavior. With a vision for a more efficient and eco-conscious future, AptDeco stands poised to revolutionize the furniture industry and redefine the way we furnish our spaces.

The Genesis of AptDeco

AptDeco emerged from a shared frustration and necessity experienced by its founders—a frustration stemming from the challenges encountered while buying and selling used furniture online. Common issues such as scams, delivery complications, and uncomfortable encounters prompted the founders to seek a solution to streamline the process.

Following their graduation from business school, one of the founders embarked on a move to New York City. Simultaneously, the other founder, Kalam Dennis, encountered difficulties in selling his couch due to the demand for delivery services. This dilemma led to a serendipitous collaboration, as the co-founder borrowed a moving truck to experiment with including delivery as part of the sales process. To their surprise, this simple addition resulted in a swift sale within a day, laying the foundation for what would become AptDeco.

The success of this innovative approach to selling furniture marked the birth of AptDeco in 2014. Starting as a small venture in New York City, AptDeco rapidly expanded its operations to cater to a broader audience. Recent expansions have seen the company establish a presence on the west coast and add new locations in the Northeast, with further expansion plans on the horizon.

At AptDeco, the core belief is that buying and selling furniture should not be a cumbersome process. Moreover, the company is deeply committed to environmental sustainability. Recognizing the staggering amount of furniture that ends up in landfills each year—over 12 million tons—the founders are dedicated to reshaping consumer behavior and reducing waste. The company aims to encourage responsible consumption while fostering a more environmentally conscious approach to furniture transactions.

Commitment to Environmental Responsibility

AptDeco is driven by a steadfast mission—to foster a world where choosing secondhand furniture is the norm. By shopping on AptDeco, individuals not only furnish their homes but also breathe new life into pre-loved furniture, all while making a positive impact on the environment. The community's collective efforts have resulted in significant environmental benefits, including the offsetting of 17,492,072 pounds of CO2, the removal of 6,359,134 cars from the road, and the planting of 1,387,159 trees.

Raising Awareness Through Statistics: AptDeco recognizes the critical importance of prioritizing sustainability, as highlighted by alarming statistics. Each year, a staggering 12 million tons of furniture find their way to landfills, with a significant portion consisting of items manufactured within the last 15 years. Furthermore, over one-third of individuals discard furniture that could otherwise be sold or donated, underscoring the need for a shift in consumer behavior.

Advocating for a Circular Economy: Central to AptDeco's sustainability efforts is the promotion of a circular economy—a paradigm shift in how we consume products. Unlike the linear model of purchasing and disposing of furniture, the circular economy emphasizes keeping products in circulation through multiple uses. AptDeco's platform facilitates this by allowing furniture to remain in circulation for extended periods, reducing waste and maximizing resource utilization.

A Commitment to Carbon Neutrality: In alignment with its environmental goals, AptDeco ensures that all deliveries within its standard service zones are carbon neutral as of 2022. Plans are underway to extend these efforts to encompass the extended service zone in the future. Additionally, AptDeco continually seeks opportunities to enhance operational sustainability through initiatives such as sustainable packing and route efficiencies.

Empowering Through Education: AptDeco recognizes the power of education in driving sustainable consumption behaviors. Through its platforms, the company endeavors to educate users about the environmental impact of buying used furniture. Moreover, AptDeco aims to expand its reach into new cities, further spreading awareness and promoting sustainable practices across communities.

Simplifying the Furniture Buying and Selling Experience

Streamlined Online Transactions: AptDeco operates as an online marketplace designed to alleviate the challenges associated with buying and selling furniture. By facilitating online transactions, AptDeco eliminates the traditional hassles of in-person exchanges, offering a seamless and convenient experience for users.

Professional Pickup & Delivery Services: Ensuring a hassle-free experience, AptDeco provides professional pickup and delivery services for all transactions. Whether buying or selling, users can rely on AptDeco to handle the logistics, from scheduling pickups to arranging deliveries right into their homes.

Verified Buyers & Sellers: AptDeco maintains a community of verified buyers and sellers, fostering trust and reliability within the platform. Users can browse through a curated selection of new and used furniture pieces, vintage finds, and floor models from top brands such as West Elm and Pottery Barn, confident in the authenticity and quality of listings.

Buying on AptDeco: For buyers, AptDeco offers a diverse range of furniture types and styles, providing access to coveted pieces without the designer price tag. Shopping is made easy with intuitive browsing and filtering options, allowing users to find the perfect piece to complement their space. AptDeco manages scheduling, payment, and delivery, ensuring a seamless purchasing process from start to finish.

Selling on AptDeco: Sellers can also benefit from AptDeco's platform by listing their furniture quickly and efficiently. With enhanced listings and targeted advertising, AptDeco maximizes visibility and accelerates sales. Listing takes just minutes, and on average, items sell in 10 days or less. AptDeco handles the logistics, including payment collection and arrangement of pickup and delivery services.

Secure and Efficient Payment Processing: Payment processing on AptDeco is handled securely through Stripe, offering peace of mind to users. Sellers receive payment after the item has been delivered, with funds deposited into their accounts within 2-5 business days.

Reham Fagiri, Co-Founder & CEO

“Traditionally, the use of furniture is linear. We buy it, we live with it—and then we dispose of it. Instead of ending the lifecycle at one use, we've created a platform where furniture can continue to stay in circulation for years to come.”