8 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Furniture Online
Shopping for large and expensive items like furniture online can sometimes feel like navigating a minefield. The digital marketplace presents unique challenges that can lead to buyer’s remorse if you’re not careful. Many online furniture shoppers make common mistakes that can turn into regrets, usually accompanied by a hefty price tag. To help you make informed choices that won’t leave you disappointed, we’ve compiled a list of the most frequently encountered pitfalls when buying furniture online.
Not Relying on Accurate Measurements
One of the most common blunders made by online furniture buyers involves measurements. Before making any purchase, whether online or in-store, measuring your space is a crucial first step. Accurate measurements are pivotal in determining whether a piece of furniture will properly fit and suit your space. Many buyers run into issues with oversized furniture in small rooms or underwhelming pieces that feel awkward in expansive layouts. Often, this happens because shoppers neglect to assess their space properly when buying furniture online.
A seemingly minor oversight can lead to major frustration, like a bulky accent chair that overwhelms a cozy sitting area or a pint-sized coffee table that appears lost between larger pieces of furniture. To sidestep these common regrets, take the time to accurately measure your room’s length, width, and height. Don’t forget to consider other furniture in the room as you assess how much space you truly have.
Pro Tip: When buying furniture online, use room planners and home design tools to visualize.
Trusting Colors on the Screen
When browsing furniture online, the most you can usually do is zoom in on images to see colors and textures in more detail. Unlike in-person shopping, where you can see the product in natural light, online furniture shopping offers a very different approach. You’re only limited to the images that may not depict the product’s true color accurately.
Even if the images are genuine, studio lighting can create significant differences in shades and hues. Many online shoppers fall into the trap of believing that what they see is what they will get. For instance, a taupe linen sofa might appear slightly grayish-pink on your screen, but once it arrives, it might take on unexpected brownish undertones due to the lighting in your home.
Additionally, images can be heavily edited or altered, leaving customers disappointed when their purchase does not match their expectations. Always keep in mind that while staged photos might not be intentionally misleading, the final product can sometimes differ slightly.
Not Reading the Reviews
Another common online shopping mistake that can lead to regrettable purchases is neglecting to read customer reviews. Simply looking at star ratings is insufficient to gauge the reliability of a product or retailer, especially when buying furniture online. Considering what previous customers have said about their experiences can save you from potential scams and disappointments.
This makes reading reviews a critical step when shopping for furniture from online brands and retailers. Reviews disclose flaws hidden behind marketing jargon that you won’t find in the product description. Customer feedback provides valuable insights into the furniture’s quality, appearance, and longevity. Pay special attention to long-term reviews that discuss durability and how well the item has aged over time.
Additionally, look for reviews that include user-submitted images for a more accurate representation of the color, texture, and size. Moreover, take your time to explore a variety of reviews to truly understand the product’s strengths and weaknesses before hitting that “buy now” button.
Falling for Ridiculously Cheap Deals
When buying furniture online, you can easily get lured by unbelievably cheap deals. While these enticing prices might seem like a money-saving opportunity, they are just a facade for scams or low-quality products. How many times have you come across a velvet sofa with tufted detailing priced at just $150, or a spacious dining set available for a mere $200? Although these offers can be tempting, it’s crucial to question why such items cost so low.
Even though there are legitimate sales events, like Christmas, Black Friday, and the Fourth of July, seeing exceptionally low prices consistently throughout the year is unusual. Many shoppers make the mistake of rushing to purchase without considering the hidden risks. Such suspiciously low prices often indicate low-quality products that are flimsy and unstable. Not only this, but many dubious retailers exploit this vulnerability, masking exorbitant shipping costs, taxes, or fees within these bargain listings. The final price may only become clear at checkout, leaving shoppers surprised.
Underestimating Assembly Requirements
Do not underestimate the assembly process when buying furniture online. Many shoppers casually assume that assembling their new furniture will be a straightforward task, only to get a headache when confronted with dozens of pieces and a confusing instruction manual.
Some online furniture buyers even believe that items like bookshelves or bed frames will arrive ready to use or require minimal setup. Unfortunately, when the package arrives, they may find themselves staring at a bewildering array of parts and an instruction manual. To complicate matters, many don’t realize that essential tools, such as power drills and screwdrivers, won’t be included; they may only receive basic hex keys.
This oversight can turn what should be an exciting new acquisition into a long and frustrating task. Thus, to avoid these unpleasant surprises, read the product description carefully to determine if assembly is required and prepare accordingly.
Skipping Product Description & Details
One more common mistake made by online furniture buyers is overlooking the product details in favor of eye-catching titles and beautifully staged images. When buying furniture online, it’s easy to focus on stunning visuals and forget to read the product description. All the critical information and details about the product reside in its description section. Many impulsive purchases happen because shoppers assume their expectations will align perfectly with what arrives at their doorstep.
Unfortunately, that glossy marble dining table you fell in love with might turn out to be mere faux marble, an important detail typically buried in the product description. Another scenario involves diminished expectations, where customers may think they are purchasing a complete furniture set as showcased in images. For example, you bought a luxurious velvet sofa set only to discover upon delivery that it’s just a loveseat with no sofa or armchair included. To prevent such disappointments, make it a habit to read through the entire product description carefully.
Overlooking Shipping Terms and Costs
When it comes to online furniture shopping, many of us fall into the same traps repeatedly, overlooking shipping-related information. It’s easy to get caught up in a great deal until unexpected shipping fees or hidden charges come into play. Before buying furniture online, make sure to check the shipping details thoroughly.
Shipping costs for furniture can vary significantly, typically ranging from $50 to over $150. This depends on the item’s size and weight as well as the retailer’s policies. Larger items like beds, sofas, or dining tables often require freight delivery, which is more expensive due to the space they take up and the specialized handling they need.
Moreover, people frequently assume that their furniture will arrive quickly, perhaps within two or three days. In reality, delivery times for furniture can span anywhere from 3 to 10 business days for in-stock items and may extend to 2 to 4 weeks for larger pieces. By understanding the shipping terms upfront, you can better plan your purchase.
Ignoring Return Policies
This is yet another common online furniture shopping mistake that can lead to regrettable purchases and financial strain. Many shoppers click through to checkout, eager to claim a stylish piece that fits their budget, without pausing to examine return or refund details. It’s a common misconception that you can return any unwanted item without fuss. While many retailers do offer a standard return window, it’s crucial to remember that not all policies are the same.
Each furniture retailer has its own unique terms and conditions that can vary significantly or slightly. Some brands may allow returns for only a week, while others might not permit returns at all. Therefore, before buying furniture online, take the time to familiarize yourself with the retailer’s return criteria. Beyond the time frame, consider the conditions attached. Many retailers will not accept opened packages, and some may refuse returns on assembled or modified items. Moreover, certain products like mattresses, customized pieces, or clearance items are generally non-returnable altogether.
