The market share for online purchases continues to grow by leaps and bounds, with people buying all kinds of things online. Books, digital media, technology, fashion … the list goes on and on.
And why not? Shopping online can bring a whole range of advantages, from convenience to cost-effectiveness to the sheer range of options available. Shopping for furniture is no different.
Rather than being restricted to your local store’s range of cabinets for bathrooms, you can browse through hundreds of stores until you find the perfect style. However, when shopping for furniture online, whether you are looking for a cozy loveseat or some custom kitchen cabinets, there are a few tips you should bear in mind to get the most out of your purchases.
Watch Out For Shipping Costs
You can definitely find good deals on furniture online, but make sure you are not taken in by a bad-value ‘deal’. Always make sure to factor the shipping costs into your assessment of the value of a piece of furniture on offer from an online store.
All too often you can fixate on the initial figure, when once shipping is added, it may not be very cost-effective. Try to shop around and always compare like with like – that means the final cost including shipping and taxes, not just the large bold price that is missing these essential charges.
Do You Have the DIY Skills?
Many companies will ship furniture as close to flat-pack as possible. After all, the less bulky the package, the easier it is to transport. This can save you money as well, but it will require a bit of work on your part to get the furniture into a usable state.
Before you place your order, try to find out how difficult assembly will be, what tools you will need to have available and how much support they will offer you if you get stuck. Either that, or invite over a DIY expert friend!
Materials and Stains
The one downside of shopping online is you don’t get to see the actual product in real life. Pictures are all very well and good, but they are not a complete substitute for the evidence of your own eyes. Not to mention, pictures are meant to sell the product, and only highlight its best features.
If you can, you should always request the company send you a few samples of the stained woods or particular fabrics used in the furniture you are interested in. This can help you see if it will truly look as you have imagined, or if perhaps another color is more your style. Most companies are happy to do this, as it avoids trouble with disappointed buyers later on.
