Save Money: 5 Furniture Shopping Tricks
Furniture can be a big expense -- and if you end up with a poorly manufactured piece that falls apart after a short period of time, you can wind up with a big hole in your bank account.
Since 2002 the industry has been unregulated, leaving the door open for a great deal of misleading sales tactics. How to shop smart and save money at the same time? Consumer expert Jennifer Litwin, author of Furniture Hot Spots and Best Furniture Buying Tips Ever, recently shared with me her five best cost-saving strategies for consumers:
1. Beware of Online 'Antiques'
Online hubs that bring together buyers and sellers are under no obligation to guarantee the quality or condition of antique or vintage, or previously cherished pieces, says Litwin. If you frequently buy previously owned pieces -- whether new or old -- make sure you get some sort of business insurance, insurance against fraud or cyber insurance policy that protects buyers from fakes or product misrepresentation. "These insurance plans protect you in litigation or arbitration. Otherwise, you absorb all of the risk," she says.
Litwin also reminds us it's important to always pay with a credit card -- as opposed to a debit card or wire transfer -- so you can stop payment if the item turns out to be a fake, or badly damaged. Litwin is soon launching her own furniture company, Certified Gorgeous, which she says will offer various insurance policies to protect buyers.
2. Don't Rely on 'Solid' Label
Most new furniture sold in the U.S. is imported from Asia now, explains Litwin -- and while the level of craftsmanship has improved, many of these pieces still don't come with proper labeling that specifies the materials used. If you didn't know any better, you might think the finishes look authentic (cherry, mahogany, walnut, etc). But different manufacturers may define "solid" differently. Many pieces are made of a mixture of woods or small pieces glued together, and may crack because the wood may be weaker or not constructed properly. "Mixing woods to create particle board doesn't necessarily weaken the wood," says Litwin. "But if [the manufacturer is] not using the right hot glue, or strong wood of a good quality, the piece can weaken."
Actual solid wood usually lasts longer because it isn't weakened by composition. If you're not enough of an expert to recognize the difference, make sure you get a one-year warranty for both the parts and labor.
3. Ship in Bulk
If you're furnishing an entire house, look for a package shipping price for all of your delivered purchases, says Litwin. Rising gas prices have made shipping costs more expensive, so one way to save is to shop in bulk. And bear in mind that local retail stores have the best shipping prices and many install and deliver free of charge -- so weigh shipping costs when you're comparing online sources with the store down the street. (Chain stores will typically offer fewer deals in shipping, or do so seasonally.)
4. Shop Wholesale
Wholesalers who typically don't sell to the public seem more than willing to sell to the average person these days, says Litwin -- particularly fabric houses that sell fairly generic fabrics, like Sunbrella or leather. "Call these wholesalers and ask them directly if you can buy from them, and then negotiate the same discounted prices you would at any home furnishings store. Many wholesalers even include shipping -- a huge savings," she says.
5. Update Fabric Trimming
Rather than replacing your existing fabrics and curtains, why not give them an makeover by simply replacing their trim? Litwin suggests visiting a fabric wholesaler in your area where you can often find upscale trims at a fraction of the cost at a design center. "Your room will take on a whole new look that will stay fresh and current for another 10 years," she says.