Furniture shopping can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. There are many ways to save money and get the pieces you need for your home.
Feel free to negotiate prices. Retailers are often open to discounts and bargaining. It also pays to shop at the end of the season when stores clear out inventory for new styles.
Plan Ahead
Furniture shopping is a big investment, and it’s important to approach it with a plan. This can save you money in the long run and ensure you get furniture you’ll love for years.
Before you head into a store or start looking online, it’s helpful to list what types of pieces you need (side tables, beds, sofas). It can be easy to lose focus when hopping from showroom to showroom; this way, you’ll have a clear idea of the exact pieces you’re searching for.
Additionally, planning can help you take advantage of sales throughout the year. Retailers often offer clearances or sales in January and August to free up space for new items, so it’s worth watching for these opportunities to snap up bargains on your ideal furniture pieces.
Regardless of when you shop, keeping your goals in mind is essential. It’s also important to be realistic about your budget when buying furniture and not overspend on something you don’t necessarily need. In addition, consider whether or not the furniture piece will fit into your current lifestyle and how it might evolve as your needs change over time. This is particularly true for “forever” pieces like sofas and dining tables, as this year’s “it” design could become tomorrow’s 1970s avocado green.
Look Out For Sales
In-store shoppers can often find great furniture deals by looking around corners and the back of stores. That’s where floor models, scratched tables, and sofas with tiny imperfections hide. And they’re usually marked with lower-than-expected price tags. If the piece you’re looking for has a price tag that still needs to be lowered, you can bring it to a salesperson’s attention. They can knock down the price to the bottom line or offer you something special.
In addition to snagging pieces in-store, furniture shoppers should always watch for online sales and promotions. Many large retailers run flash sales or offer promo codes like a Walmart promo code at the end of a month or during holidays to make room for new inventory. Keeping an eye out for these sales can help you score big on the most important pieces.
When shopping for furniture, it’s important to remember that you’re purchasing a long-term investment. While rushing through the process and filling your home with a few pieces is tempting, taking time and thinking ahead can save you money in the long run. If you’re a furniture retailer, offering a buy online, pick up in-store option can also help boost in-store sales by giving your customers the convenience they want when they shop for bigger ticket items like home furnishings.
Don’t Be Afraid To Negotiate
Unlike houses or cars, which are typically not up for negotiation, furniture prices and other medium-ticket items can sometimes be haggled. Consumer Reports states that retailers are increasingly open to such haggling, especially for items that customers can easily compare online.
Avid furniture shoppers often skip the front displays and make a beeline to the back, where stores hide deep discounts on floor models and showroom furniture. Salespeople may also offer financing options, but be wary of deals that sound too good. Interest rates can quickly add up to a much higher cost than you bargained for, and deferred interest could be more costly in the long run than paying upfront.
If a retailer is reluctant to budge on a price, ask for their lowest possible discount. It’s best to stick with a reasonably low number and avoid arguing with the person you’re negotiating with. Eventually, they’ll cave in and devise an offer within your budget.
Many homebuyers also negotiate for furniture with their sellers, who are more than happy to accommodate their buyers’ requests if it will boost their sales potential or help them close the deal on their homes. However, it’s important to remember that it’s the homebuyer’s right to purchase furniture at a fair and reasonable price and have that finalized in their contract.
Prioritize Quality
When shopping for furniture, it’s important to prioritize quality over price. This is especially true when it comes to upholstered pieces, where poor-quality materials can lead to lumps, creases and other blemishes that will detract from the aesthetic of your room. Opt for a component crafted from wood rather than particle board or plastic. In addition, look for a sturdy frame and durable upholstery.
Experts also recommend keeping an eye on local independent retailers, as they often carry a higher standard of craftsmanship than larger chains. Additionally, many of these independent sellers offer a one-of-a-kind shopping experience, making it easy to find unique items not available at big-box stores.
For those willing to be more flexible on price, bargain hunters can often score good deals by purchasing refurbished pieces that have been returned. The best time to do this is during the late winter when retailers try to clear out older designs in preparation for new models.
Smart furniture shoppers always look for great deals regardless of the best shopping time. With some planning and expert tips, shoppers can snag a bargain on that living room set or office desk without breaking the bank. Compare prices between multiple stores and read all fine print on financing offers to ensure you get the best deal.