If you’re looking to buy new furniture for your home, you’ll want to get the best bang for your buck. Fortunately, several tips can help you save money when shopping at a furniture store.
Avid furniture shoppers make a beeline straight for the back of the showroom, where most retailers hide their best deals.
Know What You Want
Knowing precisely what you want is essential if you’re shopping for furniture. This will help you avoid buyer’s remorse when the sofa or bed you purchased doesn’t work with your existing decor or fit in your space.
Take your time and browse a wide variety of vendors. This will give you a better idea of your options and the average prices for furniture.
If you’re willing to flex your negotiating muscles, there is usually wiggle room in the furniture price. Many stores mark up items for sale but sell floor models and clearance furniture that has yet to find a home. These items can be great deals. Be sure to ask if any furniture is marked “used, antique, demo, floor model, or refurbished.” Often, these items are marked accordingly and will be disclosed.
Know Your Budget
Furniture shopping can be fun, but it can also be expensive. Remembering your budget as you shop and looking for ways to save is important.
Generally, furniture stores will offer various financing options, but it’s essential to consider the interest rates before purchasing. You’ll often be better off paying for the furniture in cash or with a credit card with low-interest rates.
Also, consider the quality grade of the furniture that you are purchasing. For example, a sofa is often one of the most used pieces of furniture in a home, so it’s worth spending more on quality construction techniques like hardwood frames and eight-way hand-tied springs. This will ensure that your sofa lasts long and remains comfortable.
Know the Store’s Policies
Furniture at Taylor’s Furniture is a big investment; you want to ensure it fits your home and looks good for years. Before buying anything, check out the store’s refund and cancellation policies and other terms or conditions.
Furniture stores often offer financing or a store credit card, but paying with cash you’ve set aside is best. If you must use a credit card, try to find one with low or no interest.
Check delivery costs, including curbside or white glove service and other charges, such as assembly. Also, read the terms of any protection plans, which may cost extra and cover only certain types of damage or stains. Also, beware of floor model sales, which are often just an artificial way to drive traffic and sell items.
Bring a Tape Measure
Furniture shopping can be a pain, but it doesn’t have to be. Following simple tips, you can avoid overpaying and save money while getting the pieces you need for your home.
Before you head to the store, ensure you know your measurements and are familiar with the basics of reading a tape measure. It’s easy to accidentally angle or slant your measuring tape, throwing off your measurements and leading to inaccurate results.
It’s also essential to be able to identify quality craftsmanship and materials. For example, buying wood furniture with solid boards rather than veneers is better. In addition, it’s helpful to ask about delivery options and pricing before you purchase a piece of furniture.
Bring a Blanket
It’s easy to get carried away when shopping for furniture. Having a set budget can help you avoid buyer’s remorse later. Using cash you have set aside can also prevent you from getting swayed by the pushy salesperson or other shoppers buying everything on display.
If you can be patient, plan your purchases around sale periods. Typically, the deepest discounts occur in January and February or August and September because stores are trying to move old stock to make room for new collections. Also, try to purchase items without using store financing, as these options often have high annual percentage rates and can be challenging to manage. Store-based finance can also be more expensive than personal loans or credit cards.
