Red Flags to Watch for When Buying Furniture Online
Unlike in-store shopping, where you can physically experience items, online shopping requires careful research and awareness to avoid pitfalls. You can only see what’s on your screen, which makes it more challenging. To help you navigate the world of online furniture shopping, we’ve curated a guide that focuses on common red flags. If you are buying furniture online, this read will help you shop with confidence and satisfaction.
Relying on Guesswork Instead of Measurements
One of the biggest missteps online furniture buyers make is not taking accurate measurements. Properly measuring your space is crucial, whether you’re buying in person or online. This simple step determines whether your chosen furniture will fit comfortably and suit your environment.
When shoppers bypass measurements, they often end up with oversized pieces that dominate a small room or oddly scaled items that look out of place in larger areas. They presume that the furniture will fit based solely on the provided dimensions. They simply gauge the size by comparison with existing items. For example, you see a chair that seems perfect for your sofa, but it takes up more space than anticipated. Conversely, a square coffee table might appear to fit perfectly but end up looking awkwardly small in the setting.
To avoid these frustrating outcomes when buying furniture online, take the time to measure the space where you plan to place new pieces. You can use room planners like Roomstyler or Planner 5D to help visualize the footprint.
Believing Screen Colors Are Always Accurate
When it comes to buying furniture online, you can visually experience the product by zooming in on colors and textures. In stores, you can see the furniture under natural lighting or feel the materials physically, but online shopping limits this. The most you have access to are the polished images, which you cannot rely on solely.
Even if the images are genuine, studio lighting can significantly alter the appearance of colors. For instance, a taupe linen sofa that appears slightly grayish-pink on your screen might be brownish in real life. This discrepancy in color can result in disappointment, as many expect their purchases to match the online appearance exactly.
Moreover, online product images also go through editing and enhancements to appear more vibrant than in reality. This misrepresentation calls for unwelcome surprises when you unbox your package, potentially resulting in a shock. The furniture can be far different from what you anticipated. Always double-check the product description to verify the color.
Overlooking the Fine Print in Product Descriptions
Relying too heavily on catchy titles and stunning images and skipping product descriptions is a common red flag. The allure of vibrant visuals can easily distract you from the critical information found in the product details.
While it may feel harmless to make impulse purchases based solely on appealing photos and catchy names, this approach can lead to unpleasant surprises upon delivery. For instance, that elegant marble dining table that seemed like a steal might actually be a faux marble, an aesthetic choice that sacrifices durability for looks. Additionally, the misinterpretation of product images can cause disappointment. You buy a dining set that includes six seats just by looking at the image, but only the table arrives.
To ensure satisfaction when buying furniture online, make it a priority to carefully read the full product description. Details like materials, dimensions, and specifics of your items are typically mentioned in this section.
Skipping the Customer Reviews Section
Not reading the customer reviews is yet another critical mistake people make when buying furniture online. While you can physically test furniture in a store, the online shopping experience lacks this tactile element. Therefore, reading customer reviews becomes essential. Such feedback serves as a reality check, revealing insights that product descriptions might overlook.
For example, you might fall in love with a mint green sofa based on its fantastic price and product description. But when it arrives, the color doesn’t match expectations, the fabric feels subpar, or the sofa is entirely different from what you envisioned. Reviews can expose flaws like weak joints, uneven legs, or rough edges that aren’t mentioned in the product specifications.
When reading reviews, focus on long-term feedback that discusses the item’s durability over time. Images in reviews can provide even more clarity, allowing you to see the furniture in different lighting and settings. This can help you gauge the true color and texture of the product, as well as set realistic size expectations.
Getting Tempted by Unrealistically Cheap Deals
One more mistake that most online furniture buyers make is falling for deals that seem astonishingly cheap. Have you ever come across a stunning velvet sofa for just $300 or a dining set for a mere $200? It’s essential to approach these offers with caution, as such unbelievable prices usually indicate something amiss. Understanding the reasons behind these low prices is crucial before buying furniture online.
Often, these suspiciously low prices indicate poor-quality materials, leading to products that are flimsy, wobbly, or even unstable. You may find that the items look appealing initially, but they compromise on durability, resulting in various issues down the line.
Moreover, some shady retailers use low prices to obscure shipping costs, sales taxes, or handling fees that surface during checkout. To avoid falling into this trap, it’s vital to assess the seller’s credibility. Look for a legitimate contact page, comprehensive return and shipping policies, and responsive customer service.
Not Checking the Return & Refund Policies
One of the most significant red flags of online furniture shopping is overlooking return and refund policies. Many shoppers fall into the trap of quickly adding items to their cart without considering the return policies. It’s easy to assume that if a piece of furniture doesn’t meet your expectations, returning it will be hassle-free. However, it’s vital to understand that return policies vary widely between retailers. While some brands offer a generous return window of 30 days, others may limit it to one week or a few days.
Furthermore, the terms surrounding returns can be intricate. Many sellers will not accept opened packages back, while some may only allow returns of items that remain unassembled. Some furniture items are also non-returnable, such as mattresses, custom pieces, and clearance furniture.
Even the costs associated with returns can take a toll on your wallet. Many online retailers require you to cover return shipping, and some even deduct it from your refund. Therefore, before buying furniture online, be sure to thoroughly review the return and refund terminology of your chosen retailer.
Ignoring Shipping Costs and Delivery Details
Neglecting shipping-related information is a major mistake many people make when buying furniture online. Many shoppers snag a fantastic deal, only to be blindsided by unexpected shipping fees that can spike the total cost.
Shipping fees can vary significantly, typically ranging from $50 to $150+, depending on the brand and the location. Additionally, larger items such as beds, sofas, and dining tables often require freight delivery, which not only incurs higher costs due to their weight and bulk but may also lead to longer delivery times. Instead of receiving their purchases within a couple of days, buyers may find themselves waiting 7 to 10 business days. For larger and multiple items, anticipate at least 1 to 4 weeks for delivery.
Watching out for this red flag is crucial to managing your delivery expectations. Thoroughly review the brand’s shipping terms and conditions. Understanding delivery fees and timelines in advance will help you plan your purchase more effectively and determine if you need to opt for fast delivery.
Forgetting to Check for Assembly Needs
Another significant oversight many online furniture buyers make is underestimating the assembly process. Unlike in-person shopping, where you can take home ready-to-use furniture, online purchases often come with assembly. Imagine ordering a beautiful bookshelf or a stylish bed frame, only to discover it arrives in dozens of pieces. The excitement quickly turns to frustration as you face the daunting task of assembly without professional help.
Another assembly issue is that many shoppers assume that tools like drills, screwdrivers, and levelers are included in their purchases. However, packages usually contain only basic hex keys. Moreover, it’s not uncommon to open the box and find missing parts and complex manuals. It’s easy to misjudge the time, effort, and skills required, assuming it will be a quick and straightforward endeavor.
To steer clear of these unpleasant surprises when buying furniture online, confirm assembly details. You can find assembly information on the shipping and policy page, so don’t hesitate to check there before placing order.
