How to Find the Best Seconds Furniture Store?
Furnishing your home with brand-new furniture can be extremely expensive. A great way to save money and find unique pieces is to shop at factory seconds warehouse instead of second-hand stores. These are the best options in place of used furniture. Buying factory seconds furniture is also more sustainable since you are giving these items a great life instead of purchasing newly manufactured products. However, not all stores are created equal. Here’s how to find the best second furniture store to meet your needs and style.
Research Options in Your Area
The first step is simply determining what furniture stores exist in your geographic area. Search online directories, databases, maps, and local business listings for terms like “second hand furniture store,” “second-hand furniture”, “factory seconds store” etc.
Don’t forget to check another marketplace as well. While these peer-to-peer platforms don’t offer an actual retail storefront, you can often find great pieces being sold directly by their owners.
As you compile options, look for stores specializing in the type of items you want. Some may focus on modern styles while others have more antique pieces. Read online reviews and don’t rule out smaller shops which can have excellent finds.
Consider Logistics
Once you have a list of viable furniture stores, consider logistical factors to choose the best option:
- Location: A store close to your home makes frequent trips more feasible during the furnishing process. However, be cautious of limiting yourself geographically as you may find better selection and prices in stores outside your immediate area.
- Selection: Stores with a larger and more frequently updated inventory give you more options to create the eclectic style many strive for with seconds furniture.
- Delivery options: Purchasing large or heavy furniture often requires delivery which not all stores provide. Check if the stores on your list include this service and the associated costs, if any.
- Ordering capabilities: Even if a store doesn’t stock an item you want, some allow you to place orders for specific pieces. They’ll purchase these items from other shops and individuals to resell to you.
Evaluate the Furniture
Before committing to a store, browse their selection in person to assess factors such as:
- Quality and durability: Carefully inspect wood, fabric, and upholstery for damage.
- Style: These stores run the gamut from modern looks to antiquated designs. Make sure a shop has pieces that match your aesthetic vision.
- Uniqueness: Second furniture shops offer one-of-a-kind items you won’t find anywhere else. If scores of identical pieces fill a store, it may not be your best option.
- Pricing: These shops vary widely in their pricing models. Compare tagged prices to new costs and be willing to negotiate on individual items.
Ask Questions
To get a better feel for a furniture store, engage the staff. Things to ask include:
- How often do you receive new inventory?
- Do you buy furniture from community members?
- Can I special order items not currently on the floor?
- What interior designers and stagers do you work with?
- Do you offer repair services for used furniture?
Staff members should show extensive product knowledge and passion for second furniture. Pay attention to how they interact with you as well as other customers.
Confirm Flexible Policies
Make sure any store under consideration offers accommodating policies:
- Returns/exchanges: Stores may limit what you can return or exchange to prevent being taken advantage of. But having options if an item isn’t fit or has undisclosed flaws is important.
- Hold policy: The ability to put an item on hold, especially for large or expensive pieces, ensures no one else can purchase it before you arrange pickup/delivery.
- Discounts: Stores may offer tiered discounts for customers bundling multiple items. Ask if special savings apply to you.
Read Online Reviews
One of the best indicators for any local business today is online customer reviews. Before selecting a furniture store, read feedback on platforms like Google, Yelp, and Facebook. Pay special attention to ratings and any recurring praise or complaints.
This research gives you insight into real customer experiences related to inventory, service, delivery, pricing, and more. It also helps confirm if photos on the store’s website accurately showcase available products since selection can change rapidly.
Dos and Don’ts for Buying Seconds Furniture
Once you’ve selected a quality furniture store using the criteria above, keep these dos and don’ts in mind while shopping:
Dos
- Do set a budget – It’s easy to get carried away shopping furniture stores. Set a budget ahead of time based on the styles and items you need so you don’t overspend.
- Do inspect closely – Thoroughly examine wood finishes, fabric, seams, cushions, drawers, etc. This ensures you know the true condition and helps estimate cleaning or repair needs.
- Do negotiate – Prices aren’t firmly set so don’t hesitate to negotiate, especially for floor models with wear and tear or items missing original hardware.
- Do ask questions – If an item has a backstory, ask staff to share it. When was it manufactured? How did it end up here? These details make finds even more special.
- Do visualize the space – Picture how an item will fit aesthetically and physically within your existing décor before purchasing. This prevents impulsive purchases that don’t work.
Don’ts
- Don’t assume flaws – Don’t pass up items just because they need minor repairs or cleaning. Consider if fixing defects is worth the lower costs of secondhand.
- Don’t forget measurements – It can be tricky judging dimensions in a store. Always measure furniture and available space at home before purchasing oversized items.
- Don’t hesitate on favorites – If you find a true gem, don’t let it slip away or odds are you will never see it again. Be willing to buy special items immediately.
- Don’t ignore delivery costs – Prices marked in-store often exclude delivery fees which can add up, especially for oversized sofas, armoires, etc.
- Don’t forget flexibility – Used furniture likely won’t perfectly match the sizes, colors, and textures of existing décor. Allow eclectic, mismatched styling.
Factory Seconds furniture stores have unique, affordable finds unavailable elsewhere. Just be choosey in your selections, carefully evaluate condition and style, negotiate fair deals, and accentuate the pieces’ imperfections. Follow this advice and you’re sure to furnish your home in a fashionable, budget-friendly way!