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Top 5 Ways to Save Money on Your Next Furniture Purchase
From Fred Albert,
Saving money doesn't mean you have to sacrifice quality. Follow these tips for cutting the cost of your next furniture purchase.
1) Buy on Sale
The best times to find furniture bargains are in January and July. If you’re looking for a good deal on outdoor furniture, wait until August--you’ll be sitting pretty the next time summer rolls around
2) Check the Outlets
Many regional and national furniture retailers have outlet centers where discontinued, distressed and returned merchandise is marked down substantially. Make it a habit to visit these outlets regularly—you never know when the right piece is going to be waiting for you
3) Surf the Net
If you see something you like in a store or magazine, check the Web. Enter the manufacturer’s name and the name of the model in a search engine such as Google, or try a comparative pricing site like Price Grabber. Don’t judge a merchant by price alone—check out their shipping costs, as well, and whether sales tax will be applied to your purchase.
4) Buy from the Source
High Point, N.C., is the center for American furniture manufacturing. Some dealers in High Point sell directly to consumers. You’ll also find ads for a few in the back of home design magazines. (Be prepared to give the name of the manufacturer and model when you call.) If you live within driving distance of High Point, you can shop directly. Check out Ellen R. Shapiro’s Shopping the North Carolina Furniture Outlets : How to Save 50-80% on Your Next Furniture Purchase for more information.
5) Buy Used
Although one often hears tales of priceless antiques and pedigreed period pieces languishing on the sidewalk, a more practical approach is to visit an upscale resale or consignment shop. You can find them in most major cities, and the quality can be excellent. Years ago, I picked up a designer console table for just $400 in one such store,
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thx
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Great tips - we're hoping to get some new furniture next year!
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Just and FYI on the NC tip: It is very difficult and hit and miss to find a dealer that will sell to anyone. Many are very strict on being a reseller to buy. Area stores will get market samples after the furniture markets, but it is usually only 1-2 pieces per store, and they go very fast. Here, as in almost anywhere, you basiclly get what you pay for. If you are looking for a cheap couch, you will get a cheap couch.
I'm not saying it can't be done, but expect to spend a lot of time tracking down dealers.
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i am fortunate to live right near a pottery barn outlet. great quality and great prices. i just bought a new kit table that in the catalog was $999 and i paid 159 for it! it had scratches on top and i knew this...but i also have kids so we used scratch over and i put a centerpiece on top....and i paid next to nothing.
another tip i got from my sil designer...pay money for "critical" pieces of furniture (like kit table, chairs, and couch) that are used all the time. those are the pieces that you need to be quality to last. then, the other stuff like bedside tables, decoration pieces, pieces in never used rooms you then buy a fake knockoff (like at target) makes sense to me!
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Originally Posted by crazykelly
i am fortunate to live right near a pottery barn outlet. great quality and great prices. i just bought a new kit table that in the catalog was $999 and i paid 159 for it! it had scratches on top and i knew this...but i also have kids so we used scratch over and i put a centerpiece on top....and i paid next to nothing.
another tip i got from my sil designer...pay money for "critical" pieces of furniture (like kit table, chairs, and couch) that are used all the time. those are the pieces that you need to be quality to last. then, the other stuff like bedside tables, decoration pieces, pieces in never used rooms you then buy a fake knockoff (like at target) makes sense to me!
How do you know if its a quality piece?
I'm on my second set of living room furniture in 13 years. We bought it from Valu City. The first set the seams on the cushions were coming apart from taking them off and washing them. Plus I got sick of the flower pattern. This set has water marks from trying to spot clean it. The second set was not from V. City
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Originally Posted by Maryfs
How do you know if its a quality piece?
bump
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Buy off craigslist, especially if you are in an area like mine where people are always moving and selling practically new furniture
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I live right across from a huge outlet mall...yes a frugal ladies dream a mall of only outlet stores. Thanks for the tips my goal it to get new furniture for the living room as soon as possible I just want it to look nice.