Buying furniture is an investment—not just in money, but in time, comfort, and space. You may think you can save a few dollars buying a sofa from an online retailer, but if it makes your back hurt, is it worth it? To avoid these and other furniture-shopping mishaps, keep the following tips in mind:
1. Bring Color Samples And Measurements
Bring color samples of other furniture in the room. If you don't have a paint swatch or a fabric sample, take a good photo of the room and its contents to compare against the new piece. If you have colorful or patterned pieces in mind, make sure the furniture store has a wide range of colors, fabrics, and finishes to choose from. Bringing measurements of your room, will enable the sales people to find the right size item for your space.
2. Try Before You Buy
That sofa or mattress might look a lot different in person than online. It might also feel hard as a rock. Examine furniture closely—lie down, even!—to make sure it's the right size for your room and the right color and fit for you.
3. Inspect Carefully
Make sure your potential sofa has a thick frame (thin frames squeak). Look for sturdy, properly secured furniture legs. Make sure patterns on furniture are aligned properly. Howie Kreiger, co-owner of Spector Furniture & Mattress Gallery, advises to also check the density of seat cushions. "Cheaper foam will flatten out," he says. For wood pieces, check the finish for bubbling, drips and inconsistancies, Kreiger says, and make sure the graining is clear and smooth. Also look for cracks and splits in the corners of tables and chairs. That could indicate poor workmanship, or worse, an unsafe product!
4. Seek Out Knowledgeable Salespeople
Commission, not service, motivates most chain store salespeople. Find a furniture store with friendly staff who take the time to understand your needs and will answer your questions without pressure to buy.
5. Who Pays For Delivery?
That great deal you found on your new dining room set does you no good if the store charges a fortune to deliver. Find a furniture store that offers free delivery—not many of them do. Also, understand the delivery schedule, the store's policy in case of a delivery problem, and who pays for assembly. Spector Furniture & Mattress Gallery offers free delivery (within a 20-mile radius), free setup, and removal of your old furniture is available, all at a time most convenient to your schedule. The chains will charge a premium for these services and deliver on their timeline.
6. Know The Financing Terms
Interest-free financing sounds good, but it can go terribly wrong if you don't pay off the loan at the end of the "free" period. Once that term ends, some furniture stores charge a retroactive interest rate between 20 and 30 percent costing the consumer hundreds, or even thousands more! Look for more straightforward financing options. If budget allows, pay by credit card and pay off the balance quickly to avoid excessive interest charges.
7. Consider a Mom-and-Pop
You might find a good deal at a big-box store, but you may also find an average piece of furniture that will break after a couple years. If you want furniture that will last you a lifetime, choose quality brands from a furniture store with a lifetime or more of experience. The salespeople often have extensive knowledge and a passion for their products.
One of the area's best-known family-owned businesses, Spector Furniture & Mattress Gallery, has furnished families since 1890. Spector operates under the same philosophy today that Simon Spector established more than a century ago: "respect your customers, offer a good product at a fair price, and back it up with good service."
Spector's salespeople don't work on commission, which means they won't pressure you to buy something today. Instead, they take a personal approach. Just want to look? No problem. If they can't answer your question, they'll call the factory or ask owners Howie and Ken Kreiger, who can usually be found helping third generation customers.
To make sure you find the ideal piece, Spector Furniture & Mattress Gallery has more than 800 fabric choices and a variety of wood finishes to choose from. They carry quality brands such as Howard Miller, Stanley, Hooker, Serta, La-Z-Boy, Rowe, Winners Only, and Simmons, among others.
Spector matches the big-box stores in price and provides more personalized service to help you make a better informed purchase. Follow Spector on Facebook for a head's up about the company's annual Truckload Sale, Trade-In Sale, charity benefits, and other events.
For furniture that suits your budget and your lifestyle, visit Spector Furniture & Mattress Gallery at 385 Main Street, Ansonia or give us a call at 203-734-2525