Buying on-line

Buying furniture on-line can be an excellent way of purchasing furniture, if you do your homework, and if you are willing to make some concessions. As an informed consumer, you should know who you are doing business with. Check out the reputation of the company. Ask friends if they have ever purchased anything from them, and whether or not they were happy with their purchases. Find out how long the company has been in business, and whether or not there have been any complaints with service or the quality of the furniture. If you will be using a credit card to pay for purchases make sure they have a secure system so that your credit information will be safe.

Before you purchase anything, ask about credit charges and terms. Local retailers often have some kind of credit terms available, but if you are buying on-line they may not be as flexible, or offer as many financing choices. Often, payment must be made upon delivery, and the buyer must arrange their own financing. This can be a very important factor when you are making a major purchase such as furniture.

Ask how your furniture will be delivered, and if set-up is included in the delivery charge. If it will it be delivered by UPS they may not have experience loading and unloading furniture, and they will not be able to set it up for you. If a local moving company is going to deliver your furniture, they may not be familiar with your particular piece, and assembly and set-up could be a problem. You may be expecting a china cabinet delivered and set up, only to discover that what you receive are several cartons of unassembled furniture that you must set it up yourself. Ask how long it will take for your furniture to be delivered. Shopping on-line means you often must wait three, six, eight weeks or longer for you furniture to be delivered. What if you don't like it, or it is damaged? What is their policy on returns? Who arranges to have it shipped back, how is it shipped, and who pays? How long will it take to get a replacement? Make sure you get a definite answer to all of these questions, in writing, before you make your purchase.

Before you buy furniture on-line know exactly what you want, including the brand name, style, fabric and color. Visit local showrooms and stores so that you can actually see the furniture, sit on it, decide whether or not it is comfortable, and what color and fabric you want. It is impossible to tell from a picture whether or not the piece will suit your needs and tastes. Remember, that when you buy on-line there is no salesperson to assist you or offer advice. You may be able to find a better price on the internet, but you must know what you want, be willing to wait for delivery, and know your rights on returns.

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