Furniture is the element that brings purpose and value to any space. Even when you are moving into a new house, renovating one, or decorating an office, your mind immediately thinks of the furniture that will best enhance the room.
Because every apartment, office, and house needs furniture, the industry is always in high demand. In fact, according to the US Census Bureau, the furniture industry generates $120 million worth of revenue and employs roughly 500,000 workers in more than 87,000 establishments.
That said because furniture is a direct reflection of our taste, there are a lot of elements to consider before making such a commitment. First, you should have an idea of the ambiance you want to create in the space. Do you prefer a comfy and cozy living room, a spa-like bedroom, or an energetic and fresh kitchen?
Next, learn about how each piece is manufactured and know your color options. It’s important not to overlook these elements when buying new furniture because you’ll have to live with (and look at) this decision for some time.
Additionally, there is a variety of style options to choose from. Some furniture shoppers go with a minimalistic style, while others prefer Bohemian or mid-century modern. Other risk takers opt to create their own unique aesthetic by mixing and matching styles.
Furniture shopping is an exciting yet stressful process, especially when we have to juggle between quality and staying within a budget. However, online shopping has allowed buyers to choose their favorite items without compromising on style and quality. BONUS – these online retailers also deliver directly to your doorstep. You no longer need to ask friends to borrow their trucks.
As mentioned in the Statista report, e-commerce sales worldwide have reached $3.5 trillion in 2019 and are expected to hit $5 trillion by 2021. So, why not shop for furniture online? To help you get started, here are some tips for finding your dream furniture pieces at low prices.
Research the Online Retailer
You should begin by reading the ‘About Us’ page. This provides you with all the necessary information about the furniture store, its history, its customer care services, and contact information. Reputable companies also offer ways to contact them offline.
Check Reviews
Many online stores allow their customers to write reviews about the services and quality of the items purchased. Check reviews on the furniture pieces you are considering. You can also check the ranking and rating of the website on Google Product Search.
Return Policy
Look for furniture stores that have flexible return policies. Ones that have a complicated return procedure, restocking fees, or don’t feature a return policy, should be avoided. Most stores should give at least 30 days to return items, while others may have a 45-60 days return policy.
Factor in Shipping Costs
Stores mention their shipping cost separately. Some stores may hike up shipping charges to compensate for the low prices they are offering on furniture items. You have to factor in the shipping charges and handling fees in the overall cost.
Find your Style Match
Some online stores may offer items from different retailers and feature merchandise of every type. While others like Bed Frame Singapore may cater to those who prefer more modern and sleek furniture designs.
Review Photos
Websites provide many pictures of a single item from different angles. Closely and carefully review photos so that you have an idea of how the furniture may look like in your room.
Read the Description
Read the descriptions carefully and thoroughly for every item you are considering. Websites are very particular and careful about their wording. For example, if the furniture piece is made of composite wood, then it is low quality when compared to solid wood pieces.
Check the Measurements
Double-check the measurements of the furniture. Do not assume that the piece will fit where you want it to go. First, measure the space where the furniture is supposed to be placed and make sure that the furniture will not overlap with doorways and hallways.
Be Leery of Colors
Websites try to show us the real color of the furniture, and they also mention it in the description section. However, colors may appear differently in photos, especially after they’re uploaded to a website. And therefore, you may find the color to be quite different in person.
Compare Prices
If you find your desired furniture on more than one website, then compare the prices. Some sites may offer discounts or coupons for your next purchase. Shop from those who offer discounted rates and feature the best deals. You can also wait for furniture sets to go on sale depending on the season.
Delivery Options
Many online retailers provide direct home delivery. Inside-delivery costs more because the driver brings the furniture into your home. Moreover, white glove delivery is the most expensive because the movers bring the furniture inside your house and assemble it for you.
Look for a Secured Website
You should also notice if the website is secured or not. The URL of the website should begin with HTTPS instead of HTTP. You may also find a lock icon somewhere on the web page. This helps prevent identity theft.
Last word
Buying furniture online can save you time and money. You just have to look for the best deals and quality when online shopping. The above tips will no doubt help you snag your dream furniture at the best price.
