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How to
CHOOSE A
FURNITURE STORE
With all the eclectic choices available today, there has never
been a better time to buy new furniture. Whether your budget is
big or small, choosing new seating, tables and accessories can
make a big difference in your daily life. Furniture gives your
house a personality. It creates an ambiance that sends a message
to guests about who you are. What is your particular and unique
style? What do you value most in furniture?
QUALITY THAT LASTS
Look for a store that sells quality, long-lasting furniture.
While inexpensive accessories can be bought cheaply and
changed often, big furniture investments -- sofas, dining tables,
and the like -- need to be purchased for the long term. That means
putting solid construction before a pretty style. Solid construc-
tion isn't always apparent at first glance. It should feel solid, not
flimsy, of course. Beyond that, find out as much information as
possible about the frame, materials, and what kind of warranty it
comes with. A well-trained staff can inform you about their furni-
ture, how they're built and why the construction matters. The best
stores have employees who act as guides and teachers, not pushy
salespeople.
VALUE, NOT JUST PRICE
It is best to pay more for a quality piece than to try to save
money on something that will not last in the long term. The bigger
the investment, the more important the design and build quality
become. Concentrate on finding the best value. An inexpensive
sofa will not be a good value if it is built with cheap and weak
materials. Likewise, the most expensive love seat will have a wise
investment if the frame is not built solidly. It's best to look for
brands with a long track record and good reputation.
4 HOW TO GUIDE
SERVICE, DELIVERY
Every store has a different customer service policy. Choose a
store that is well known for being loyal to its customers. Inquire
about return policies. Some furniture stores will allow you to
exchange an item within a certain time limit if it doesn't meet your
expectations. Learn what fees are involved if you have to return
an item -- if that is allowed at all. As well, ask about the store's
delivery policy, including how much it costs, how far they'll
deliver and how quickly your furniture will arrive.
If you are comparison shopping, factor the delivery cost
when considering different stores. A low-priced couch will not
save you money if it comes with an expensive delivery fee. It may
be worth it to pay a little more for the couch if free or reduced cost
delivery is available.
The bottom line is that there are only two things that matter:
the quality of the furniture you are purchasing, and the level of
service you receive. Once you discover them both, furniture shop-
ping can be a fun experience that that will beautify your home
for many years. And you can be happy and comfortable with the
furniture for generations to come.