Furniture is usually bulky and expensive. So, it’s understandable that anyone shopping for home furniture online might be leery of making such a big purchase without seeing it in person first. Fortunately, there are many trusted online furniture stores with websites that have detailed photos and descriptions of their products. But even with these assurances from the retailer, you should still take steps to check before buying home furniture online. The consequences of not checking could result in delivery of the wrong item, costing you additional time and money to correct the problem. Here are nine things you need to check before buying home furniture online
Double Check The Item’s Measurements
If you are purchasing a bed frame or a sofa, you should make sure that the item’s measurements match your room or living space. Measure the width and length of the item, and compare it to the measurements of your room. You also want to make sure the height of the item matches. For instance, if you are purchasing an ottoman coffee table, make sure the height is right for your seating area. Most importantly, look at the measurements for the item’s width and depth. If you have a small space, the item’s measurements need to be small enough to fit inside that space.
Check The Item’s Condition
Every furniture item comes with a “condition” notation. Look for this notation and read exactly what it means. If the condition notation is “new,” “like new” or “brand new” it means that the item is brand new and has never been used. If the condition notation is “used” or “previously used”. It means the item has been used before and could have surface scratches, dings or scuffs. If the item is described as “refurbished” or “reconditioned,” it means the item has been repaired and restored to a like-new condition. If you are looking for brand new furniture, you should steer clear of any item that is described as “previously used” or “used.” On the other hand, if you are looking for a great deal on a gently used item, you should not shy away from purchasing it.
Read The Warranty Information
For most furniture items, you will see an icon or notation on the product page that says something like. “Warranty: One year limited warranty.” If you see this notation. Make sure you click on it and read exactly what the warranty entails. The warranty information may also be listed on a separate page on the website. Make sure you read the warranty carefully. Some manufacturers may have different warranty conditions based on the item that you purchased. If the warranty is a “limited” warranty, it means the manufacturer is not responsible for damage that happens after a certain amount of time, usually one year. The warranty could also be a “full” warranty, which means the manufacturer is responsible for repairs or replacements for the item for the entire warranty period.
Find Out How Much Assembly Is Required
Sometimes, you will see an icon on the product page that says something like, “Assembly Required”. If you see this icon, make sure you click on it and read the description of the required assembly. If you are purchasing a couch or bed frame. For example, you want to know how much assembly is required. If you are purchasing a dining table, you want to know whether you need help assembling it or not. Make sure you understand the level of assembly required for each item before you buy it. Things like the number of pieces that need to be assembled and the complexity of the assembly process can vary greatly from product to product.
Confirm Shipping Costs And Time
If you are purchasing furniture that needs to be shipped to you, you want to make sure the retailer is using a reputable shipping company that is not overcharging you. Many furniture retailers use common shipping companies such as FedEx or UPS. If the retailer uses one of these companies, make sure you read the “shipping” section of the product page carefully. Sometimes, the retailer will include information about the shipping costs and shipping time in this section. You can also click on the “shipping” section of the product page to read the “shipping policy” of the online furniture retailer. This policy usually has a section that explains the shipping costs and the shipping time for the item you are interested in.
Check The Payment Options
You should know what payment options are available from the online furniture retailer. Most retailers accept payment by credit card or PayPal. Others may accept payment by cash or money orders. Make sure you know the payment options available before you purchase an item. If you are not paying by cash or money order, make sure you know what the return policy is. A retailer may have a policy of accepting returns within a certain period of time after purchase. Make sure you know the retailer’s return policy before making a purchase.
Examine Shipping Restrictions
If you are buying a large item, such as a couch or dining table, you want to make sure the item can be shipped to your state. Most retailers will list shipping restrictions in the “shipping” section of the product page. If you don’t see shipping restrictions listed in this area, click on the “shipping” section of the product page. And look for a section called “shipping restrictions.” Once you determine if an item can be shipped to your state, read the shipping restrictions carefully. You want to make sure the item can be shipped to your home by the shipping company selected by the retailer. You also want to make sure the item can be shipped in a manner that won’t disrupt your home.
Summing Up
When you shop for home furniture online, you want to make sure the item is the right size and shape. It is in good condition, and you understand the warranty and payment requirements. You also want to make sure the item is reasonably priced. You know what shipping restrictions may apply, and you understand the retailer’s return policy if something goes wrong. With these 9 things, you are one step closer to buying home furniture online with confidence.