Tips on Buying Furniture via the Internet

You've been shopping for furniture at your local retail stores. Finally, you found what you wanted, but the pieces were pricey. Somehow, you managed to get the manufacturer's name and phone number. After you've gone home, did a quick search on the Internet, and ah hah, you found at least three online vendors that can sell it for much less. Should you buy it?

The answer is it depends.

It depends because there are many factors that you should take into consideration. Here is a quick list of do's and don'ts when buying furniture on line.

Do's:

-Make sure the online dealer is an authorized dealer for the manufacturer you are purchasing. If they are not an authorized dealer you will not have the support from the manufacturer if something goes wrong.

-Make sure you read the sales contract carefully and its terms and conditions. Many dealers do not allow for cancellation or charge you a hefty restocking fee for cancelled orders.

-Check the Better Business Bureau and with the manufacturers to make sure you know who you are doing business with. Ideally they should have retail location, be a member of the Better Business Bureau, and is in good standing with the manufacturer.

Don'ts:

-Go back to the retail store to get them to match the prices. Retail is a high overhead business. The retail stores can not work on the margin that the online dealer can give you. Most importantly, furniture manufacturers frown upon on-line sale of their products.  You might cause the on-line dealers to lose the lines. If the retail stores spend a lot of time with you, give them a chance to earn your business. 

-Don't purchase small furniture orders on line. The shipping cost will usually outweighs whatever savings you might have.

-Don't have unreasonable expectations. Buying furniture long distance means that you might have longer lead time and problems take longer to resolve.  Be patient.  Most importantly, always, always, always know who you are buying from.