Understanding Options When Shopping Online for Furniture

Shopping for furniture online has several notable advantages over a visit to your local retailer. You can shop on your own time without pushy salespeople, you can compare prices easily, and you’ll have hundreds of additional options to choose from.

Of course, you’ll need to make sure that you’re buying from a reputable retailer. Some factors to consider:

• Customer Reviews- Reviews can give you insights on a particular piece of furniture and on the store’s customer service policies. Take complaints with a grain of salt; people are less likely to leave reviews when they’re satisfied, but if you see dozens of one-star reviews on a certain site, you’re better off looking elsewhere.
• Store Return Policy- Make sure you’ll have ample time to return an unsatisfactory piece of furniture. Store return policies vary greatly. Some major retailers allow returns for up to a year, while others expect customers to start returns within days. Read carefully, noting whether or not the company offers exchanges, store credit, or full or partial refunds.
• Store Location- Many online retailers have physical brick-and-mortar locations, which can be beneficial if you need furniture right away. If you find a store that has a location near you, determine whether they offer home delivery or whether you’ll need to pick up your purchase.

Additionally, you should do some groundwork before you start shopping. Grab your tape measure and record the measurements of doorways, stairways, and the place where the furniture will reside in your home.

If the furniture ships disassembled, you may be able to bypass a narrow doorway, but you’ll need an accurate assessment of your space to visualize your options. A couch or table might look like a great bargain online, but if it’s significantly smaller than what you need, you’ll wish you’d taken some measurements.

Know When to Buy Furniture Online

According to U.S. News & World Report, furniture retailers frequently offer deals during major holiday weekends. If you can wait for a new piece of furniture, you might be able to save by waiting until Memorial Day, Labor Day, or President’s Day.

Outside of holidays, the best time to buy is in the end of the winter and end of the summer, which is when retailers are trying to move their old stock to make room for newer models. However, online furniture sellers don’t necessarily play by the rules — you can often find sales outside of these times, provided that you do your research.

Never assume that a sale offers the best possible price. Some retailers have “sales" all year round, and the only way to find a truly great bargain is to know the market.

Watch for Hidden Fees

Some online furniture stores offer free shipping, which can bring down the total cost of your purchase — but not necessarily, since many retailers roll shipping charges into their sticker prices. To find out whether a store uses this tactic, you’ll need to compare them to their competitors; if their prices are $50-100 higher, they’re probably including shipping charges in their prices.

If you’re purchasing a piece of furniture that’s available from several different retailers, keep detailed notes or set up a spreadsheet. Track shipping costs, product prices, and other pertinent information about the retailer. For instance, if one retailer charges for restocking on returns, you’ll want to consider that when making your decision.

While you’re researching, find out whether the product will ship assembled or disassembled. Some companies charge extra for assembly; handling this task yourself could save you a few dollars, and most commercial furniture can be assembled fairly easily with basic hand tools. On the other hand, if assembly is inexpensive — and you have enough clearance to get the furniture into your home without removing doors — the extra fee might be worth your time.

Look for as Much Information as Possible

By shopping online, you might be able to save hundreds of dollars on high-quality furniture, particularly if you’re looking for several new pieces for your home. However, you’ll need to read carefully, paying close attention to store policies and shipping costs.

Try to look for at least 3-4 options before making your decision. Jot down notes, look for product reviews, and don’t forget to take measurements. With the right approach, you can save on furniture without sacrificing quality or comfort.