Online furniture shopping is a convenient option for those not located near a brick-and-mortar store. Many retailers offer free fabric swatches, virtual design consulting, and easy returns. Shoppers should look for online stores that keep detailed inventory and let customers know when a piece is out of stock.
Getting Started
Online shopping is a great way to avoid the crowded showrooms and pushy salespeople of traditional furniture stores. By taking the time to examine the website of each store you are considering, you can find the right pieces at the best prices.
Also, consulting professionals like the Joybird customer service representatives help buyers understand what the upholstery will look like in their homes before they commit to a purchase, thus providing them with the best online shopping experience. It’s also important to read reviews of furniture before making a decision.
While one bad review shouldn’t sway your decision, it’s a good idea to steer clear of anything with several negative reviews. Some online furniture stores allow customers to buy items online and pick them up in their store for free, eliminating shipping costs. It would be best if you took advantage of this option whenever possible.
Getting the Best Deals
Thanks to the internet, furniture shoppers can find verified reviews of vendors from previous customers. Resources like the Joybird reviews can help you make better buying decisions by providing information about the quality of the furniture, how quickly the vendor delivers, and whether the vendor honors its guarantees.
Savvy shoppers search for furniture online using keywords that identify their style preferences. This can lead them to vendors specializing in the furniture types they love rather than stores selling various styles.
Shopping Around
If shopping online, compare prices and check the furniture retailer’s return policy. Some retailers charge expensive return shipping, making it cost-prohibitive for you to return an item like a sofa or dresser. Decide on a budget before you shop, and stick to it. This will help prevent you from going overboard and spending more than intended.
Also, avoid opening a store credit card on the spot, as this can make spending more than planned too tempting. Then, once you’ve narrowed your options, look for stores specializing in your style. Search for keywords such as ‘contemporary bedside table’ or ‘art deco headboard’ for the best results. This will ensure you’re shopping for the right furniture for your home. Try to visit the store in person to see what pieces will look like in your space.
Finding the Right Store
Unlike in-person shopping, where you’re likely to encounter swarms of people and aggressive sales reps, you can avoid the pitfalls of shopping for furniture online by choosing a retailer with an established reputation for quality.
Luckily, traditional furniture store juggernauts and newer direct-to-consumer brands are all competing in the online marketplace—meaning that shoppers can take advantage of the convenience of shopping for furniture from home while still getting fair prices. Shoppers can also get great deals on furniture by shopping during sales.
This typically occurs toward the end of winter and summer, when retailers want to clear out their old stock to make room for new styles. They may also reduce prices on holiday weekends like Presidents Day and Labor Day weekend. By scouring the internet, shoppers can often score high-quality, stylish furniture at affordable prices. This can save a lot of money on furnishing a home.
