You’re probably not the first person in your circle of friends to buy furniture online. Online furniture shopping has many benefits. You get to check out more styles than you would see in a showroom, you can shop from home and have the pieces delivered and of course, you get great deals online. That said, there are many people who have not had such great experiences. To keep yourself from being added on to that list, here are a few do’s and don’ts to keep in mind.
Do read reviews
When you shop online, you rely on the pictures and a written description to tell you about the piece. But, this is not all you have. Do read reviews and testimonials left by other customers. These can be found on the website as well as on a simple Google search. Reviews give you an honest look at the quality of the furniture being sold as well as the after sales service provided.
Don’t look at only the pictures
The picture may look beautiful but don’t let it be the deciding factor. You must also go through the rest of the website. Find out how old the company is, how much experience they have and how they treat their wood. One of the biggest complaints of online furniture shopping is warped furniture. To reduce the risk of facing a similar situation, only buy furniture from brands that treat and dry the wood carefully before using it.
Do compare furniture dimensions to your space
When you look at a piece of furniture, note the overall length, width and height and if possible, mark the positions on the floor and wall where they will be placed. This will give you an idea of how the furniture will look in your home. When it comes to large pieces like sofas and beds, also compare the dimensions against the width and height of your doorways to ensure that it can pass through. It would be a shame for the piece to be delivered and then to find out that it doesn’t fit.
Don’t forget to read the fine print
Once you’ve found a design you like, read the firm’s shipping and installation policies. Do they charge an extra fee for these services or is it included in the listed price? Do they accept returns? If yes, do they have any charges associated with it and how much time do you have to make a final decision? Many firms charge a percentage of the order value as a restocking fee. This may seem little but it isn’t. Also look into the support provided in terms of maintenance after the pieces have been delivered.
Following these simple do’s and don’ts for online furniture shopping are sure to make your experience smoother and more pleasant. Remember, there are many other people shopping online too so when you’re order is delivered and you’re basking in the glow of a beautiful home, put up your own reviews and testimonials. This could help many other people like you. Happy shopping!
