I am an advocate for buying online, however the task of buying furniture online can sound a little intimidating. When it comes to furniture you know you are not only going to sink cost into your purchase if you want something nice, but you also know that you have a list of expectations like comfort, style, and quality. Have no fear, this may shock you, but buying furniture online is not as risky as it sounds.
Way back in 2000 I used to use this very new website called Overstock.com for purchase of non digital camera and new duvet comforter. I recall the reaction from my colleuges when I told them I purchased a camera from a new website, it was as if I went on a date with a publicly known serial killer. In all seriousness, the idea of purchasing this expensive item online raised eyebrows.
Fast forward to now. I bank online, I pay bills on line, and I continue to buy consumer goods online. Here are 5 reasons to buy furniture Online.
1. Budget Friendly Prices
Let’s be honest the main reason most people will by furniture from an online store is because of the price. You can find incredibly great deals. One way I get the best prices is using Ebates.com when ever I can. This site lets you get an additional 2-7% (sometimes more) off of your purchase. I have been using Ebates.com for over 8 years and have only been happy with their customer service.
Many online stores offer short term sales. One of my tricks when I am looking to purchase a furniture piece on line is to check back into the online store website a few times a week to see if any sales promotions pop up. If I take my time I am apt to run into a great sale price.
2. Sample Fabrics
Most of the furniture I purchase on line have simple neutral color schemes which match my decor choice. If you are one for bolder colors and patterns you can sure your satisfaction with free sample fabrics. Ballard Design does great selection of colors and types of fabrics which you can get samples of before you make your purchase.
If you don’t see a option on a site for a fabric samples, ask customer service. They may have something to send you or offer a extra special return policy.
3. Competitive Return Policies
Did you notice the smooth segue? A good return policy is one of my biggest requirements when selecting a online furniture source. I purposely only choose sites that offer a good policy in the case I do not like what I ordered, or end up with product that was damaged in shipping. Both have happen to me. Overall I have seen an improvement in online return policies in the past 15 years. Company have realized that in order to stay competitive with store fronts, they must offer great customers service including taking back product for free.
One disclaimer to this is that online stores do change their return policies periodically so you must take a look each time you decide to make a big purchase, especially a bulky piece of furniture. Some companies will cover the cost of the furniture return fully, others will only cover the cost if you refuse the produce once it arrive to your home.
Overstock.com have a pretty fair return policy where you can return product with in 30 days for a full refund. However for obvious reasons Overstock.com and other online stores do not allow returns of as is items or memory foam mattresses.
4. Free Shipping
Many sites are now offering free shipping for furniture too. I have bought upholstered chairs from online stores before with no shipping costs. I’ve even purchased nice mattresses off of Amazon.com for my son’s room with no shipping costs. Although not all furniture will ship for free, in those instances you do need to pay for shipping you may realize that for the size and weight of what you are purchasing you are getting are getting a significantly great deal. Not to mention many storefront furniture stores will charge you for delivery too.
5. Door to Door Service
This leaves me with the best reason to shop online. There is nothing more convenient than having your beautiful new furniture show up at your front door. I still get giddy each time I see a large or small package sitting on my front porch when I get home. And when its a piece of furniture the feeling is even greater.
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