New furniture is a big purchase and one that can be expensive. Fortunately, there are several money-saving tricks that furniture stores want you to know.
Ask for a discount. It can feel awkward, but you could save hundreds of dollars.
Sign up for a store credit card offering special financing and cash back.
Look for Free Shipping
Shopping for home furniture online offers a host of benefits. Besides being more convenient for busy people, many sites allow customers to test out the look of a piece with free fabric swatches and virtual design consultations. However, the costs associated with shipping can add up quickly—especially if you have to return a piece because it doesn’t work for your space.
To avoid overpaying on delivery fees, shop with a retailer offering free shipping on every purchase. Alternatively, look for retailers that let you ship to your local store for free or at a low flat rate.
For example, a certain brand has a free shipping policy on every order (even those that don’t meet its $75 minimum). It also offers a free in-store pickup option on orders over $35.
Other retailers with flexible shipping policies charge a flat rate of $10 for all standard deliveries or free ship-to-store orders over $25. Stores, where you can buy everything from a new coffee table to a dining room set, allow for returns in exchange for store credit.
Another great way to save is to wait for sales. This includes shopping after big furniture events, such as Black Friday or Father’s Day, when suppliers try to clear out stock by offering promos, including Wayfair coupons. The downside is that you may have to settle for something less than your dream pieces, but the long-term savings could be worth it.
Check for Store Credit Card Offers
It’s almost a retail tradition — you’re in the checkout line, and right before your purchase, you’re asked if you want to save money by opening a store credit card. While that might sound a bit annoying in 2020, it still happens, and there are ways you can use it to your advantage.
One option is to apply for a retailer’s credit card, which can give you exclusive rewards and discounts for your favorite brand. It also allows you to return purchases without a receipt and access members-only events. Another perk is that store cards typically have lower credit limits than many traditional cards, which can help you keep your debt utilization ratio low if you use this card as your primary credit card while building your credit score.
However, you should know that credit card companies typically offer better interest rates on personal loans than store-specific financing. If you’re considering financing your furniture, shop for rates and terms before settling on a lender.
Paying with cash is the most cost-effective way to buy furniture, but that might only be possible for some. For those with a decent credit score, there are ways to finance your furniture at reasonable rates. You could use a 0% interest credit card or an online personal loan to get the best deals on your new furnishings.
Check for Warehouse Sales
Many furniture stores have warehouse sales several times a year where they sell off overstock, floor samples and returns. These items are often scratched or dented, but if you’re willing to live with minor flaws in your new furniture, you can score huge discounts at warehouse sales. Some of these sales can rival Black Friday regarding crowds and lines.
To make the most of your time at a warehouse sale, arrive early. Lines can get long to shop and even to check out at the cash register, so plan for a few hours of sifting through piles and racks. You may also want to return multiple days, as the merchandise is constantly unboxed, and new treasures are hidden in places you didn’t expect.
In addition, many people who work at the store — including salespeople — are on commission or have quotas to meet, so they’re more motivated to offer you a discount if it will help them close a deal. For this reason, it’s worth asking about a deal or trying to negotiate the price of an item.
Remember to bring a tape measure, as items can be sold in different sizes at warehouse sales. Also, get a bag for any purchases you make. Since warehouse sales are often cash only, you should have some on hand before entering the doors.
Look for Discounts Online
When purchasing furniture, shopping around is essential to maximizing your savings. However, visiting almost every furniture store in your area can be stressful. Fortunately, you can avoid this stress by using online shopping platforms. Many of these sites offer coupons for large discounts that can be applied during checkout. You can also sign up for a newsletter or become a loyal customer to secure the best deals.
Always check the online price before heading to a physical store for furniture. Often, online stores offer lower prices because there are no in-store costs involved with selling the product. If you find an online price cheaper than the in-store price, ask the salesperson if the company will match the price. Many companies will do this to ensure that customers remain happy and loyal.
If you have a favorite furniture-selling department store, inquire about their warehouse sales. These events are held several times yearly to sell off the latest inventory and last year’s styles. You can expect major markdowns on everything from floor samples to returns to scratched and dented items.
You can also take advantage of apps and plug-ins that compare online prices. Programs like Honey automatically search for available promo codes and apply them during checkout. Another option is to use a browser extension that can scan multiple sites for the lowest price.
