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.
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.
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
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
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Reading 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.
Avoiding 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.
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.
Protect 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.
Whether you are getting a new place or simply updating your current one, furniture shopping can be taxing on both you and your wallet. Furnishing a home is one of the biggest expenditures and unfortunately will probably cost more than you want to spend. Although it can be a process and a pain in the butt to do, some patience and research can get you a long way in your shopping spree and even save you some money. Just what you want to hear, right? Let’s find out how!
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