10 things to remember when walking into the store

10 things to remember when walking into the store:

1) You will be greeted by 2 or 3 or more salespeople, all competing for YOU! There's nothing that a salesperson loves to hear more than hearing that you just built a house and are needing to furnish the entire thing. I always refused to sell furniture to someone who wasn't needing their furniture until 8 weeks out or more. The reason is that they can't measure properly. The furniture may not still be in stock. Most stores will not hold your furniture for you because of warehouse space. Also, you need to have the furniture delivered and if you didn't close on time, or something was delayed, then it's tough to reschedule your delivery.

2) There is always a sale. Don't let them tell you that this is "only for today" and that it's the best deal of the century. A lot of furniture is purchased in close-outs and in huge lots. The "at cost" price is extremely low. They aren't loosing money by giving you a discount.

3) Do your homework before you go anywhere. The Internet has a plethora of information. Write down your questions and know what you are willing to spend. There usually is a no return policy once it's in your home, unless of course there is damage or manufacturer defect.

4) Salepeople have some give to them. Meaning, they can take up to 25% off some items. It all depends on how they like you as a customer whether or not they'll give it to you.

5) If you don't like their answer, go back another day and don't ask for them. Get a new salesperson and see what price they give. 9 times out of 10 you'll get a different price. Ask for free delivery. This is a huge selling point for most customers. People don't want to pay for delivery. Occasionally you can get it for free, if it's a deal breaker. When your furniture is delivered, regardless of how much you paid for it, make sure to thoroughly inspect it BEFORE the delivery people leave. If anything is not up to par, you have the right to refuse it and send it back. That's not to say that you can't do anything about it after the fact. It's much more difficult to prove if you notice it after the fact. You must remember to measure, measure and measure some more before you purchase ANY large piece of furniture. Does it have to go up stairs, a narrow hallway or is it going in your breakfast nook and you need a certain amount of space to pull the chairs out?

6) Know your style, what you like. Don't let anyone bully you into buying something you don't want. You will resent it everytime you look at the sea glass green leather sofa that was all the rave 6 months ago, now it's out of style. If you want solid wood, you will have a hard time finding it. Most furniture is veneer, which isn't a bad thing. Definitely know your leather. There are several types and levels of quality. People either hate leather or love it. Usually the men love it and the women hate it because it's cold. If you have children or pets, make sure you get the protection the store offers. Ask a ton of questions about what the protection plan covers. It might seem ridiculous to pay $79 furniture protection for 5 years on a sofa, but it's much cheaper than buying a new couch because your cat pee'd on the cushion and the smell will never come out. Unless you plan on just looking at the furniture and not using it, then don't get the protection. Otherwise something WILL happen to it, it's guaranteed! Most protection plans are set up to where they will fix something and if they can't fix it, they'll replace it. That's a great deal if you go 4 1/2 years and a candle sets your couch on fire, you get a brand new sofa. Scotchgard is not the latest and greatest out there folks. If you haven't heard, they were taken off the market for a couple of years because of cancer causing agents. Then they are so bold to come back and under the same name! Plus, Scotchgard needs to be reapplied after time. Which means that if you apply a second layer, you are embedding the dirt that has accumulated on your furniture. Make sure that the store will pretreat your sofa, recliner or any other material before you receive it in your home.

7) Realize that most furniture is made in China. Shocker, I know. Even reputable furniture companies that have been around for decades outsource their product to factories in China. If American made is important to you, do your homework before you leave your house. Most salespeople don't know a lot about the furniture they are selling because there are hundred's of manufacturers represented on the sales floor and they are constantly changing.

8) Just because it has Martha Stewart's name on it doesn't mean it's better than the other furniture, only more expensive. Think about it. You are buying the name, not the product. Manufacturers put famous names on their plain furniture because they know it will sell. Ever seen Vera Wang's name or Laura Ashley on a mattress? What difference does it make what the mattress looks like when it's going to be covered up. How much do you think those ladies know about mattresses???

9) No interest, no payments 'til 2012! Okay, but what happens after that? If you don't make the minimum payments each month there is a balloon at the end with an interest rate of 20% +. If you have excellent credit and want to build on that because you know that you will be able to make the payments, then by all means, go for that offer. ***This is very important! Don't make double payments one month and think it's okay to skip the next month because you paid more the previous month. You HAVE to make the minimum or else it will cost you. Also, they run your credit report. Know what shape your credit is in beforehand and realize that any time your credit is checked it affects your score. Also, there is a $20 or more fee for financing. Salespeople WILL NOT tell you this. You won't find out until you receive your first statement in about a month. If you think you might struggle making the monthly payment, then don't do it. Do you really want to pay $1,200 for a couch that was originally $799? By the time you pay it off, it'll be time to replace it. It you are a young couple starting out you might not have any established credit, that might be tough getting financing, but it's possible. If you want to buy cheaper furniture just to get you through the next 2 years, then that's great. When I was in my 20's I bought cheap furniture. Now that I am in my 30's I spend more money on quality furniture that will last me for a long time. Know your priorities.

10) Don't make a purchase the first time. Don't let it be an emotional purchase. Think about it and sleep on it for at least 2 days. If you still want to buy it after that, then go ahead. Now the deal might not be around 2 days later. Ask your salesperson how much is in stock. If there are plenty, then you should be safe. If it's gone, then it wasn't meant to be, there are plenty of other options.

Remember, it never hurts to ask. If you think you might be able to get something, ask in a manner that is pleasant and you'll be astonished at what you can walk away with. If you don't like the answer you get from your salesperson because you know that your neighbor got the same thing for much less, ask to speak to the manager. Don't let your salesperson go ask, because guess what - they won't. They will only tell you that they did.

Posted in: The Store