How do you buy a couch or an armchair without sitting on it first? When shopping at a distance, you must rely on images and descriptions, but can’t necessarily be sure that the item you receive will match your expectations. Here are five tips for buying furniture online that should increase your confidence in the choices you make.
Make a List and Measure Carefully
Before you start perusing furniture websites, make a list of pieces you need. Keep that list separate from a wish list of things you want, and address needs first.
Measure your space carefully and determine the maximum dimensions for a chair, couch, or table to fit comfortably. There should be room to move around the piece without having to shove other pieces out of the way.
The gleaming, professionally lit photos on furniture store websites are intended to show items in the most flattering way. They may be staged with other décor, depicted at an angle, or shown with enhanced colors. Try not to fall in love with a photo without checking the specifications of the piece. You may discover that it’s way too big for your space or too small to make the statement you intended.
Ask for Fabric Samples
Color variation is one of the biggest issues with online furniture shopping. Find out if swatches are available and ask for them. You may save yourself from a big mistake once you see the color in your own space.
Read Reviews
Read reviews of both the item and the service from the store you shop. Find reviews posted on social media and search engines, beyond the store’s website. Scroll down to the one and two star reviews to get a sense of what people who were disappointed had to say.
You’ll have to weigh the bad reviews against the good and make your own judgment of which should prevail. Take note of whether the reviewers received something for free for posting a review, or if they’re listed as preferred customers or “club” members. Take incentivized reviews with a grain of salt.
Use your instincts to decide if a poor review is based on a legitimate complaint, or just sour grapes from buyer’s remorse.
Understand Shipping Costs and Return Policies
Reputable merchants will be upfront about shipping costs. Many offer free shipping for purchases above a certain dollar amount.
When your item arrives, it’s already too late to check the return policy. If you’re disappointed, but you already recycled the packaging, you could be out of luck—some stores require items to be returned in their original boxes. There may also be restocking fees and you may have to pay for return shipping. That can be expensive with a heavy piece.
Shop Well Known Online Stores
We all want to support artisans with small shops. But when you’re dealing with credit card information, shipping, and returns, its best to stick with larger online shops with solid track records. They’ll have policies about how they protect your personal and financial information and their websites will be secure—you can check for the little lock symbol in your browser.
The days of rummage sales and thrift store finds will return eventually. Then you can plunge back into do-it-yourself reupholstery projects and add some quirky antiques to your décor. Until then, remember these five tips for furniture shopping online.
