Furniture makes our lives comfortable – but it can also be expensive. So how do you get the furniture you need without blowing your budget? One way is to shop second-hand. Yard sales, consignment stores, and thrift shops can be great places to find bargains. It’s also worth asking friends and family if they have any furniture they want to give away.
Shop Around
Furniture can cost thousands of dollars, so shopping around is important. You can find a lower price at another retailer or thrift store. Similarly, you should always check online prices before purchasing. Many online retailers offer free shipping, which can make a difference. Searching for Ashley HomeStore coupons can be worthwhile if you’re on a tight budget.
Another way to save money is to shop at the end of the season. Furniture stores often release new styles in the spring and fall, so they must clear out old inventory. This is usually when they’ll offer the best deals. You can also time your purchase with holidays, like President’s Day or Labor Day weekends.
Finally, it would be best if you always asked for a discount. It’s common for people to overlook this tactic, but it can be very effective. Furniture is expensive, and most places will be willing to negotiate the price. You can also get fabric swatches or wood samples for free, allowing you to see the quality and color of the item without having to buy it.
Compare Prices
Many furniture stores run permanent sales, and their staff is often willing to negotiate prices. Some retailers also sell floor-sample pieces, which can be great for those with a tight budget. However, these items are typically sold as-is, so scrutinizing them before buying is a good idea. Online shoppers should compare prices between several different sites. This may be time-consuming, but it can save money. For example, some online retailers add the cost of shipping to their price, which can significantly increase the price of a piece of furniture. Another tip is to look for sales around holiday periods. For example, many furniture stores run Black Friday sales and other big discounts on some different holidays. These discounts can be great, but it is important to compare prices before making a purchase. Also, try to avoid buying furniture on credit. Furniture is a long-term investment, and paying interest can be expensive. If you must buy furniture on credit, try to get a low-interest rate or a 0{60cfcfca6edcc6e1fb231adc6edf80314a64b8d5bfa0f107ee94d826d2c4fb6e} interest option.
Compare Shipping Costs
If you’re buying a new piece of furniture online, it’s worth considering the shipping costs. Shipping companies often charge based on size, weight, and destination location. You can find the best deal by comparing prices for different delivery options.
It’s also worth checking the company’s return policy and reshipment rates before committing to an order. This will help you calculate an item’s true cost, including handling charges passed through to customers (such as labor and order fulfillment).
Alternatively, you can use an app like Honey to automatically search the internet for lower prices and coupons on whatever item you’re shopping for. This can save you a lot of time and money. You could also look for furniture sales online to find cheap pieces. This is particularly useful during the winter when many people are budgeting for Christmas, so there’s less furniture demand.
Look For Coupons
Many furniture stores offer coupons and sales, both in-store and online. Signing up for their email list and following them on social media is an easy way to be notified of these offers. Many of these companies also offer useful tools, like room visualizers, to help you see how different pieces will look in your space.
Some retailers also offer free shipping, but read the fine print carefully. They may require you to cover the cost of return shipping or charge a re-stocking fee, which can be costly for large and heavy pieces of furniture. Check out merchant reviews and avoid those with many negative customer comments. Many retailers have warehouse sales where they sell overstock, floor samples, and returned items at a much lower price than in the main store. This is especially common around the warmer months when people are cleaning out their apartment or moving to a new place. If you have a flexible schedule, this can be a great time to score some cheap home furniture.
Look For Sales
It’s worth searching for sales, especially when buying furniture at stores. Furniture retailers tend to run sales around holidays when they know there will be less demand for new items. But they also hold them in the winter when trying to move out their winter inventory before bringing in the latest styles. Shoppers can often save even more by looking for flat-pack furniture that needs to be assembled at home rather than at the store. This usually costs more upfront but can be much cheaper in the long run, as it eliminates shipping and assembly fees. It’s also possible to haggle on the price of home furniture, although it may be difficult in larger chain stores where staff have limited authority to negotiate. But it can be very effective in small, independent stores and online purchasing.