Top 10 Questions to Ask Your Furniture Salesman

Top 10 Questions to Ask Your Furniture Salesman

The furniture you buy is only as good as the questions you asked your salesmen. When you buy new or used furniture it is important that you know which questions to ask to ensure your happiness for a long period of time with the furniture you are paying for. Asking the right questions can you know if something is right for you and your family. Below are the top ten best questions you should ask the next time you are ready to buy furniture and want to make sure that you get top quality for your dollar.

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Q: Can I get a better price?
A: When you walk into a furniture store, most likely you will see price tags on everything. A salesperson will also quote you a price if asked. But you can always ask if you could get a better price. Every store has different policies and different criteria for lowering prices, but it never hurts to ask. And if you are not in an urgent hurry to buy, you can always ask if there are any upcoming sales when you might be able to buy your desired piece at a lower and more desirable price.

Q: What customization features are available?
A: Manufacturers are making their furniture more and more customizable. For upholstery, you can find different options for arm styles, filling, backs, and more. For case goods, you can find different finishes or even combinations of finishes. So make sure to ask.

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Q: Will any customization cost me extra?
A: People tend to forget to ask this question and the salesperson will not always volunteer the information either. The result, you end up paying more than you thought you would. It is best to go into this knowing what it is going to cost you, and maybe curtail the extent of customization if it doesn’t fit your budget. And even if you can afford it, it is best to know beforehand.

Q: How was this furniture made?
A: Find out how the furniture was made along with the materials used in its manufacture. For instance, if you’re buying a sofa, you need to know what kind of frame it has, and what kind of filling and support does it have. All this affects the quality of your furniture. You may also want to know where it was made, who manufactured it

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Q: Do you have other items in the same price range?
A: It is always good to look at all the options before you make up your mind. Take a look at similar items, because you may find that some other piece fits your needs better. If the piece you like seems a little above your budget, also ask to see similar items in another price range. You might be able to find something from another maker that is less expensive, and very close to what you like.

Q: How do you deliver, and how long will it take?
A: Never assume anything about deliveries, even if you have shopped there before. Your order might be a custom order, or they might have changed their policies. Ask about any additional delivery charges as well

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Q: Why should I buy from you?
A: you have the choice to buy or not buy from a store of your choice. Ask what sets this store apart from others, what makes them special. Is it their merchandise selection? Customer service? Pricing?

Q: What guarantees do you have?
A: Find out about any guarantees the store offers. Find out what is covered and if the guarantees are in writing. Some stores have price guarantees, where they match other retailer prices.

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Q: What happens if things go wrong?
A: There are so many things that can go wrong with an order. Ask who will be responsible for answering any questions. This is where knowing about guarantees helps. What happens if you decide not to keep the furniture?

Q: How much time do I have if I need to cancel my order?
A: Sometimes, you may want or even need to cancel an order. You should know whether you can do so, and how much time you have for canceling an order.

Now you are ready to go out and find that perfect furniture set for your cozy home! Always remember to ask lots of questions and never hold back. The salesmen are here to help you and happy to do so. For more of your furniture questions call Donna France, (216) 296-3957, with Levin Furniture today!

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How to Fit Furniture Into Your Budget

How to Fit Furniture into Your Budget

So you decided it’s either time for new furniture or maybe even your first time buying furniture for a new home! Well as fun as it can be to pick out the new décor pieces you must think financially to ensure you can afford just the right look. Buying furniture can be expensive but it doesn’t have to break your wallet. Below are a few options available to you to help you get the furniture you love all while staying in your budget!

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The first thing to keep in mind is prioritizing. Take a few moments to sit down and make a list of what you can afford and everything you need. Make the list in order of importance such as a bed, fridge, table, chairs, couch, and T.V. Bigger isn’t always better, for example, don’t try to buy the largest flat screen and wind up sitting on the floor to watch it because of overspending on one item. T.V. should also be at the bottom of the list as it’s not a priority; we all watch Netflix on our MacBook’s now, anyway right?
furniture-3213726__340.jpg     Now that you have your list and know what you’re able to afford you want to start looking into a good place to purchase your furniture. Certain items can be purchased second hand but do not carry a warranty as brand new appliances or furniture may. If something may break, tear, or become defective you will appreciate that warranty that came with the new purchase. Professionals at a furniture store can help you plan out furniture to your specific budget. Whether it’s a complete refurbish, a bedroom, living room, or any other room you are working with, buying a new set up with the advice of a professional can work wonders for your home.
photo-1438979315413-de5df30042a1.jpg    You can also think multi-functional when you purchase your items. Make one piece do the work of two. If you rarely use the dining room, for example, use the table as a desk, or a work area until a regular desk or workspace fits into your budget. Find an ottoman that doubles as a cocktail table. Find a sofa that is a sleeper sofa, to immediately turn the living room into a guest room at any given time. Multi-functioning pieces give you the ability to buy just one piece instead of spending more money on another specific piece.
Getting creative is also another option when planning or budgeting for furniture.

photo-1522107177-01884fcfa2bb.jpg  Although there may be super bargains available on multiple pieces, you may only have a budget to buy a piece at a time. Well thought out and chosen pieces can work extremely well instead of a complete set. Look for items in your price range that complement each other and are color coordinated, similar patterns and colors. Typically individual pieces from various sets may cost less and stay within your budget. Lamps, area rugs, and other accents tend to be a little more budget friendly, have a long life span and can be moved from room to room relatively easy.
All in all, have a plan, know your options, and what is available for the price range or budget you are sticking to. Buy necessities, and other furniture items as you feel is the right move. You do not have to go extreme shopping when it comes to furnishing your home with up to date furniture. For any other furniture needs call Donna France today at (216) 296-3957, with Levin Furniture.

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Tips to Keep Your Furniture Like New!

Tips to keep your furniture like new!

Finding your perfect furniture is truly a satisfying feeling, and enjoying it for as long as you can is what everybody wants! Some simple care steps can help you keep your furniture looking fresh and as new as possible for a very long time! Whether it’s indoor, outdoor, living room, bedroom or any other furnished room, here are some tips to keep your furniture in like new condition.
board-3772063_960_720.jpgReading the care label or instructions is the first thing you should do after you have placed your furniture, tested it and know that it is the right piece. The care label is specific to the item you have purchased and it can give you the do and dont’s associated with it. The care label will tell you what cleaning products can be used on it if it can be steam cleaned, or what is safe to wash or clean it with. If you are familiar with the basic care needed for that specific piece it can stay looking new for a very long time. If there is not a care label, or instructions attached to your item, or came with it, ask the store or associate you have purchased it from.
architecture-2804083__340.jpgAvoiding sun exposure is another crucial task when your perfect furniture is set. Sun exposure can cause fading over time, paint or stains may peel, or other conditions may occur from prolonged sun exposure. Conditioning leather furniture often will slow down any cracking from the sun, and give it a longer lifespan. Rotating furniture often, or consider adding window film that will keep harmful sun rays out to allow your furniture to stay like new for a longer amount of time.
vacuum-2116241__340.jpg Rotating pieces or parts of furniture is another great way to keep your furniture comfortable and whole for a longer amount of time. We as people tend to find a spot we always sit, and use it daily for sometimes prolonged periods of time. A chair, or a certain spot on the couch that we should rotate cushions or change our seating arrangement every once in a while. Vacuum under cushions on the couch, sofa, chairs or any other sitting furniture to slow down the signs of aging. Your mattress should also be rotated, usually around twice a year.
package-2072221__340.jpgProtect those fragile surfaces. Tabletops and other surfaces tend to receive a lot of wear and tear due to extended usage. There are many ways to protect these surfaces. Coasters, placemats, table clothes, slipcovers, or runners can all be used to protect surfaces from pets, your “artist” children, food or beverage stains, and overall general use. Cleaning with a mild soap on a damp cloth, dusting or polishing wood surfaces is also a way to help preserve surfaces.
After you have done all this, other things in life happen that may damage, or wear your furniture items that cannot always be protected. Nothing can be predicted, but we can always be preventative and take our best possible steps to keep our prized items clean, usable, and in like new condition. These steps should give you a good base, and can always be added to as you wish in your home! For more information on your furniture needs call Donna France today at Levin Furniture, (216) 296-3957.

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Simple Tips for Feng Shui in Your Home Decor

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To the average Westerner decorating a house or apartment, feng shui might seem complicated. The ancient Chinese methods for balancing energies don’t fit with the way we think of designing a space for harmony and aesthetics. That said, basic feng shui isn’t complicated. There are several simple feng shui “cures” you can use right now to balance the energies and bring good fortune to your home.

  1. Mirrors

In feng shui, mirrors are used to multiply (think money, good luck, health) or to control the speed of energy flows through your home. The key to effective mirror placement is to think about what the mirror is reflecting. Position the mirror to reflect what you’d like more of.

Avoid reflecting these things:

  • Doors
  • Windows
  • Toilets
  • Clutter, mess
  • Flames, such as in a fireplace or range
  • Beds

It doesn’t bring good fortune to place mirrors in the bathroom, but you need to be the judge of that!

  1. Crystals

Crystals can clear negative energy and attract the right energy. Here are some popular feng shui crystals, along with the powers attributed to them and the best placement in the home.

  • Optimistic, accepting, encouraging energy. Best for family areas or the home office.
  • Changes negative energy into calm, spiritual energy. Best for meditation spaces and planning areas of home offices.
  • Rose quartz. Sweet, healing energy, washing away pain and sorrow. Best for bedrooms.
  • Clear quartz. Multipurpose, and particularly good for decorating because it fits well with any color scheme. It can go basically anywhere!

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  1. Art

In feng shui, different walls have different energies. Follow the guidelines below for placing your artwork. Be sure to avoid artwork that depicts sadness, fear, anxiety, violence, and other negative things.

  • West walls. These walls correspond to creativity. Hang your most contemporary or abstract art here.
  • East walls. These walls correspond to nature. Hang family portraits and wedding pictures here.
  • North walls. These walls correspond to success. Hang artwork that depicts water here to stimulate the flow of positive energy into your home.
  • Walls opposite beds. Hang inspirational art or motivational quotes here.
  1. Fountains

Running water helps bring peace of mind. They represent health and abundance and can promote health. Look for one made of natural materials to echo nature and best amplify the sound of the moving water. Fountains may be combined with crystals or Buddha figurines to amplify the positive effects.

There are fountain models for placement on tables, mounting on the wall, or sitting on the floor. Fountains may be placed almost anywhere, but avoid bedrooms and the southern areas of any other room.

  1. Color

Color is an extremely simple, but powerful, way to bring positive energy into your home. Carefully consider the color of furniture, textiles, artwork, and decorative elements.

  • Fire element. This element corresponds to career success and interpersonal relationships, and it works well in southern parts of rooms and the home office. Colors: Red, orange, purple, pink
  • Earth element. This element corresponds to calm, health, and stability, and it works well in southwest and northeast areas of the home. Colors: Light yellow, cream, beige.
  • Wood element. This element corresponds to growth and vitality, and it works well in the east, southeast, and south parts of rooms. Colors: Brown, green
  • Water element. This element corresponds to purity and freshness, and it works well in the northern, eastern, and southeastern areas. Colors: Blue, black
  • Metal element. This element corresponds to efficiency and clarity, and it works well in the northern areas. Colors: Gray, white