Whether you’re jazzing up an apartment or making a rented house feel more like home, you need furniture. But quality furniture can be expensive.
But you can find deals on furniture when you know where to look. These furniture store secrets will help you save big. Plus, you’ll learn some tips on buying furniture online.
Look at the Back of the Store
Shopping for furniture can be a love-hate experience. You’re besotted while browsing catalogs and imagining gorgeous pieces in your home, but then the reality hits: furniture doesn’t come cheap. Luckily, there are some tricks that furniture stores don’t want you to know that can help you save money on your purchase.
Furniture store coupons aren’t only available in stores but can be found online and through savings apps. But those discounts only sometimes apply in-store, so check online before heading to the store.
One of the best money-saving secrets to know about buying furniture is to walk to the back of the store. This is where floor models, scratched tables, and other slightly imperfect items hide, often with deeply discounted price tags.
Another secret is to ask for a better price. Some stores input their bottom-line prices into the register computers, so cashiers can quickly tell you how much lower they can go on a specific item. And if you’re using a coupon, they may be able to match it.
Ask for a Senior Discount
You may know you can bargain for a lower price on a car or a house, but did you know furniture is also up for grabs? Salespeople and managers can cut prices if an item has yet to sell quickly.
If you’re over 55 and looking to save on furniture, ask about a senior discount. Many stores offer them, and the amount you can save varies by store. Some have a dedicated day of the week for seniors to shop, while others provide reduced pricing by telling the cashier your age when you check out.
Check out the Ashley Furniture outlet for great deals and savings if you shop online. You’ll often see markdowns of up to 60% off on things like dining room tables and nightstands.
Ask for a Better Price
Refrain from assuming that the price quoted is the lowest or best possible deal when shopping at a furniture store. Store salespeople and managers often have the discretion to reduce prices beyond what is shown on the sales ticket.
Finally, if you see a furniture item available online but not in your local store, ask the salesperson about it. Many furniture stores have warehouses selling overstock, floor samples, and returned pieces at lower prices.
Negotiating at furniture stores can save you money but be challenging. By knowing how to negotiate, you’ll be able to keep more of your hard-earned dollars in your pocket and spend them on the things you want for your home. Remember to stay calm, be polite, and never get hostile, as this will scare off sellers. Also, always compare prices before buying, and be sure to factor in return shipping and any re-stocking fees.
Don’t Use Credit Cards or In-Store Credit
While furniture stores often use coupons to lure in customers, it’s essential to consider other factors when shopping. If you can pay cash or use a credit card with a low-interest rate, you can get a better deal on a new piece of furniture.
Furniture store credit cards are typically offered with special financing, a rewards program, and other perks. However, they can also have high-interest rates and hidden fees. If you use a store credit card to purchase a large purchase, it’s best to read the fine print.
Many store credit cards offer 0% interest on certain items, enticing those who need more cash to make a large purchase immediately. However, you will be liable for interest on your purchase if you don’t pay off the balance before the promotional period ends.
It’s best to steer clear of store credit cards as they can harm your credit score. With a low credit limit, it’s easy to overspend. Then, you will pay more interest than you would if you had a non-store credit card with a higher limit. Credit cards can encourage impulse spending, as consumers may be more likely to make unplanned purchases when they have easy access to credit.
While credit cards and in-store credit can offer various benefits, there are also several reasons why individuals might choose not to use them. Here are some common reasons for avoiding credit cards or in-store credit:
Easy access to credit can lead to overspending and the accumulation of debt. People may rely on credit cards for everyday expenses, which can be financially detrimental. Carrying high credit card balances or failing to make timely payments can harm credit scores, making obtaining loans or favorable interest rates difficult.
Credit cards and some in-store credit programs may have various fees, including annual, late payment, and over-limit fees.
