Save Money On Furniture By Researching Before You Buy

Research before you buy to save money on furniture - it's that simple. By being a well-informed furniture consumer, you can find better pieces of furniture at even greater prices. So, keep reading for 5 tips that will take you from a beginner to a true furniture shopping expert.

1. Call Around for Quotes.

If you know what you're looking for, you can save time and money simply by dragging out the phone book and calling around for quotes. For example, let's say you want a particular Ashley brand model of sofa. Instead of driving all over town hunting for it, you can just call a few local businesses to obtain quotes.

Don't forget to ask for prices that include taxes, shipping charges and any extra service fees.

2. Check Prices Online.

The Internet is one of the best places to do serious price comparison shopping. Use sites like Google's Froogle.com or Bizrate to compare prices and even read customer reviews.

If a local retailer offers to match a competitor's sales price, look up an item online and see if you can find a price that beats his. You'll save on Internet shipping costs, still get to support a local business, but find that low online price.

3. Actually Go to the Store.

The Internet is a fantastic shopping resource, but few tactics can beat actually walking into a store and hunting down a bargain. Few stores' sites are likely to list that floor model that's going for 50 percent off or that returned, but still mint-condition leather sofa they're selling for 60 percent below retail. Try to hit at least three stores to get an idea of pricing and quality in your area.

Sometimes, the best way to find the deal is to simply hit the pavement and hunt for it.

4. Lose the Catalog.

By the time they're printed, catalogs are outdated and products in them are overpriced. Besides, just because everybody else has a $300 couch from Ikea, doesn't mean you can't find a better-made and actually high quality brand name couch for $200.

5. Look for Customer Recommendations.

Ignoring customer reviews could cost you big. Start your research by reading customer product recommendations to find furniture that stands up to real household situations, is well-made and built by a company that offers strong customer service.

Remember, word of mouth is the best way to track down information. So when you're hunting for deals or looking for a furniture brand name that consumers like you actually trust, take some extra time to look for it.

6. Contact a Pro.

A professional interior decorator, or even designer, is someone you can hire to help you decorate and organize a room to make it more attractive, functional and up-to-date. These décor professionals can do everything from a simple consultation to a full home overhaul.

Because interior decorators have extensive contacts, they can often purchase furniture pieces at wholesale or trade prices. Consequently, you can routinely pick up beautiful, designer items for less money than you would ordinarily pay.

Additionally, interior decorators work in the field every day, so have a great knowledge base about tracking down hot furniture deals, where the good sales are and how to locate quality products at discounted prices.