by Lorna Callaghan

Created on: July 10, 2010

There are numerous things to consider before buying an item of furniture, however there are five very essential questions to consider:

1.         The budget, set a budget and stick to it, so it is essential to find out the true cost of the item of furniture. If the furniture is being bought on credit, then account should be taken of any interest to be paid, the period of the credit and the amount of the instalments. If the furniture is being paid for with cash then a deposit may be required to secure the item before delivery, it might also be a good idea to try and get some discount for paying with cash, try some haggling.

2.         The size of the furniture and the size of the space that the furniture will fit into. Ask for exact measurements and dimensions, be sure to measure the room and take account of other items of furniture in the room, some relocating of items may be needed. Be aware of the room entrances and the door sizes to ensure the furniture will fit into the room.

3.         Enquiries should be made regarding any refund or return policy of the store and what happens in the future if the item is faulty, breaks down or wears out. Most items of furniture will have a shop warranty that will be honoured within a specific timeframe if something goes wrong with the furniture. There may also be a manufacturer’s warranty that may extend beyond the shop warranty. Ask if there is a cooling off period during which the order can be cancelled or the item returned if it is not suitable.

4.         Ask about delivery arrangements, does the store deliver the item if so is there a charge for delivery? Is there a waiting period before delivery, does the item have to be ordered, if so how long will this be? Can a time be specified for delivery and does the item have to be inspected and signed for when delivered.

5.         Is this what I really want or need? Sometimes purchases can be made on the spur of the moment so it is very important to take five minutes to stand back and actually think about the item to be bought. Is it an essential item, perhaps to replace something that has worn out or is it just something that would be nice to have, either way a little breathing space should be taken.

Buying furniture should be an enjoyable experience and it will be if you are well prepared, perhaps do some research beforehand and shop around to compare prices and quality. Many stores will be keen for custom so being well prepared allows the purchaser to make an informed and balanced decision. Also if the preparation has been done you will feel less stressed and the experience may be fun and enjoyable.

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