subject: Get the True Facts About Discount Furniture [print this page] Get the True Facts About Discount Furniture
For some people, the term discount furniture brings to mind a vision of inexpensive furniture stored in warehouses along with low quality merchandise. We have all seen the huge red letters painted on storefronts, "Closing Our Store, Everything Must Go." Some people rush in to buy, while others scurry past nervously looking over their shoulder and wondering if they were spotted by anyone.
The truth is discount furniture can bring to mind a lot of things to a lot of people. To some, it means buying furniture that is tagged as cheap, while to others, it means buying quality furniture at a price that makes the whole process enticing.
What to Look For When Shopping for Discount Furniture
Stores will generally offer their merchandising discounts in terms of manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP). If you can buy furniture that is 35-50% off MSRP, this is considered a good deal. Even if you do not see a discount, do not be afraid to ask for it. Stores are in business to make money. While they are not in business to give things away for free, you can never tell when you might strike gold.
Be on the Lookout for Scams
Be careful not to put money down on a layaway, only to drive by the store a week later and find the doors bolted shut. Make sure you are dealing with a company of integrity, and consider making your purchase with a credit card, which may allow you to register a dispute within 30 days of the initial transaction.
Take Time to Read the Terms of the Sale
Haste makes waste, and is usually the culprit that gets most people to buy or act on impulse. Take your time in purchasing the furniture, and do the same when reading the sales contract. Remember, it is your responsibility to read the fine print.
While discount furniture can be purchased in a number of ways, there are generally three types of outlets to make a purchase.
1. Buy your furniture from warehouse stores. Owners who run their operations from a warehouse are able to pass good deals on to customers because the rent is fairly cheap. You will usually find limited displays and not much variety. Some stores, however, have an in-house staff of designers who can make merchandise more appealing. Plan your shopping trips to either the suburbs or industrial areas.
2. Shop for furniture at consignment stores. Consignment stores can carry an assortment of both high- and low-quality furniture. They often carry overstock merchandise or furniture and other items from estate sales. Just keep in mind not to buy someone else's trash. Search for the bargains.
3. Use the Internet to shop for furniture or seek out stores that have both a physical and online presence. The Internet is an excellent source to shop for discount furnishings. Website owners create an entire site that is user-friendly, easy to navigate, stocked with information and merchandise, and backed by easy to understand shipping rules and safe purchasing practices.
Customers can place orders from home and the merchandise is sent directly to a location of the customer's choosing. While there are great opportunities for shoppers to buy quality discount furnishings, some consumers may be concerned about the length of time it takes for the merchandise to arrive, which is why it is a good idea to opt for a store in your area that has both an online shopping option and at least one brick-and-mortar store.
Overall, buying discount furniture online can be a great experience because there is not a lot of hand-holding involved. Just be aware that you are responsible for keeping your records handy in case you need to resolve any issues. Read the contracts and thoroughly get up to speed on each company's return policies.
