Gas prices are high, we are uncertain about our economy, and most of us have less to spend on luxuries and things we want, but I want to help all of you out and let you in on a few industry tips to save some dollars and cents when making that next furniture purchase. If we have to spend, we might as well try to spend it where we can live better with nicer furniture in our homes, and you can now save some money while you do it too.
1. Plan to buy during Sales - when do you know there's going to be a sale in most furniture stores? Everyone tells you to buy during sales, but most of the time you don't know when there will be one, and you can't sleep on the floor waiting for a sale to buy a bed. So let me get you in on an industry secret. Plan to buy your furniture around March and April, because furniture stores know this is tax season for everyone and they want keep sales up by having promotions during that time. The next best time is around the end of the year/beginning of the year, when everyone is on vacation during the after Christmas week and New Years week, there is very little demand going around, and you'll be sure to find some good deals around those times. So plan the timing of your major furniture purchases around those times and you'll be bound to find some good furniture deals.
2. Price match on the internet - find something you really love at the store and you know you want it? Before you haggle with the sales people you can just reference the items in the catalog and do a product search online for it and you will know some good pricing by haggling with the sales people. Better yet is if you know there is a good deal on the store, you can contact the online retailer, and they will more often than not offer you an even better deal, delivered and sometimes assembled.
3. Buy in Bulk when you can - if you are planning to furnish or re-furnish multiple pieces or rooms in your home, then you should try to go to one place to get it, online or in a retail store. Gather up the total items you want and the total cost of your purchase, and ask for a bulk discount. Most of the time you can get up to 10% to 20% off already discounted prices and/or even a deal on free delivery and assembly.
4. Ask about the warranty - if you are buying something that may be pricey, be sure to check the warranty so you don't have to lose money spending on a replacement. Leather sofas usually come with a limited lifetime warranty on any stretching or discoloration defects that occur on the leather. This is dining room set when you can take it back to the store or call the manufacturer to honor their warranty.
5. Assemble it yourself - this may be a hassle, but Ikea got it right the first time around. You can buy it in a box and take it home (easier I might add) and assembly it your self. If you can't do it, I am sure someone in your family or friends will be glad to help you out. Many times, furniture stores make money off of the labor rather than the item itself to charge you a mark up in providing that service. So set a date, buy the items, invite some family to have a nice afternoon together with you in assembly-furnishing your home.