Buying furniture can be expensive, so getting the best deal is important. Here are some tips on how to do just that. Avid furniture shoppers know to steer clear of the front display and make a beeline for the back. That’s where retailers stash the best deals on last year’s styles.
Wait for a Sale
It may be worth the wait if your heart is set on a specific piece of furniture. The furniture industry runs on a biannual release schedule, with indoor furniture hitting showroom floors in the spring and fall. Retailers may hold sales at these times to make room for new inventory or meet annual quotas. The summer holidays—especially the Fourth of July and Labor Day—also offer a great time to look for furniture deals as retailers clear out outdoor and seasonal pieces.
It’s also a good idea to check online for furniture sales at e-commerce websites that offer a Buy Now, Pay Later option. This way, you can test out the furniture before making a purchase. Additionally, you may register for bargain alerts on websites to receive notifications of furniture sales as they happen. Another trick to getting the best furniture deals is asking a salesperson about future promotions or discounts. Ashley Furniture coupons can be helpful if you’ve fallen in love with an item above your budget.
Know Your Needs
Furniture is a big investment, and shoppers often make impulsive purchases that they later regret. Getting a great deal on the right furniture for your home is easier when you plan, take measurements and understand the pricing process. You’ll also need to consider your lifestyle when choosing furniture pieces. For example, parts like sofas require high-quality construction to last and be comfortable over time. Other types of furniture, such as bookcases and floor lamps, can be made from cheaper materials. When you know what kind of furniture you want, it’s a good idea to plan your purchase around certain times of year when prices may drop. Holidays and the end of a quarter are ideal times to shop for deals since retailers want to move out old inventory to make room for new items. It’s also a good idea to ask designers what their retail and trade discounts are. Many design professionals will be willing to share their deals with clients. It could save you a significant amount on your entire home design project.
Shop Around
Shopping for furniture can be overwhelming, especially when faced with many choices. It is easy to spend more than you intended or end up with a piece you don’t love. Plan to avoid this. You’ll be able to keep within your means and only take what you need. Another trick is to comparison shop. You can find some of the best deals on furniture when you look at prices at different stores. You should also check online retailers since they may offer lower prices due to their shipping costs. Lastly, it is smart to wait for a sale. Unless you are thrifting or yard shopping, it usually makes more sense to buy quality furniture that will last than cheap throwaway items that need replacing within a year. Some of the best times to score deals on furniture are at the beginning of each season and during holiday sales like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. These days, stores typically slash prices on their old inventory to make room for new styles.
Look for Coupons
One way to save when buying furniture is to look for coupon codes. Many online stores automatically send these to customers or allow them to be redeemed on a website that collects them from other eCommerce sites. Furniture stores with a lot of inventory can offer discounts on floor models. These pieces have been displayed in the showroom for a while and may show signs of wear. However, they are still in good condition and can be a great purchase. You can also negotiate with salespeople at large furniture stores. While they aren’t likely to agree to a discount much above 20 or 25 percent, you can get them to drop the price on an accessory. Some stores that sell furniture also offer extended warranties on their products. However, these are often a waste of money because they usually pay salespeople commissions and only cover issues the manufacturer needs to cover. Unless you have a chaotic household, you’re better off skipping them altogether.
Shop Online
When buying furniture online, comparing prices and shipping rates between stores is important. Also, make sure to check a company’s return policy. There’s nothing worse than purchasing a piece of furniture online and having it delivered only to find that it’s too small or not what you wanted. Luckily, many online stores have a return option. Another great way to save money is to shop at local furniture stores. Not only do these stores support your community, but they’re also more likely to be willing to negotiate with you. Just be sure to have a price in mind before you walk into the store so that you can ask for a discount. Experts say that the best time to buy furniture is in the months right before new styles hit showroom floors. So, plan on shopping in January and February or July and August to score the best deals.