Buying furniture online can be stressful. From being unsure about whether your measurements are accurate to make sure you’re at home when the delivery arrives, homeware and furniture purchases come with more logistical questions than most other consumer goods.
By following these 5 simple tips, you can shop in the confidence that you’ll be satisfied with your purchase. That way, you can enjoy the benefits that come with placing an order from the comfort of your own home in a way that suits you.
Do your research: read reviews!
A major benefit of today’s digital age is that just about everything is documented online. A survey by Bright Local found that 91% of people aged 18-34 trust online reviews just as much as they would a personal recommendation.
Whether a consumer has had a positive or negative experience with a business, they’re likely to jump onto their Facebook page or Google review site and share that with the public. Make sure you do a thorough search on a brand or business before you commit to a purchase.
2. Inform yourself about materials and colour schemes
Some retailers may be able to send you swatches of a particular material to help you visualise what it’ll look like in your home. If not, read product descriptions carefully to find out more about sizing and materials. How durable is it? Is it easy to maintain? Is it a good fit for what you’re looking for?
Triple-check the measurements to ensure there is more than enough space in the spot in your home where you want to keep it. Consider entrance points in your house; if you have stairs, elevators or narrow doorways, will you struggle to get the furniture inside?
3. Are there multiple payment options available?
If the only payment option an online retailer offers is via credit card, you might find yourself paying for the furniture (plus interest) for years to come.
The advent of “buy now, pay later” schemes such as Afterpay and zipPay allows consumers to purchase even higher-end products as and when they want it, and then pay off what they owe in regular instalments. When you Afterpay furniture online, there’s also no fees or interest to pay.
4. Check shipping and delivery costs
You may feel like you’re getting a good deal, but be sure to check a company’s delivery costs as well as their refund policy.
If they make it difficult - or impossible - to return goods, then it might be worth looking elsewhere. Furniture can be expensive and if something turns out to be faulty, low-quality or just doesn’t look as good as you’d hoped, it’s important you can get your money back.
5. Find a store that offers a wide variety
You’ll make your life easier if you shop at an online store that acts as your one-stop shop. A store that sells a large range of furniture and homewares will help you be more efficient as well as really narrow down the product you love. When you buy everything in one go, you only have to arrange one delivery date, which is much more convenient for the modern man or woman.
Emily is a business psychologist. Researching, exploring and writing are her favourite things to do. Besides that, she loves animals and music.