Can You Get a Discount at a Furniture Store?
Buying furniture is one of the most significant household purchases many people make, and the prices can be substantial. Whether you are furnishing a new home, upgrading your living room, or replacing a worn-out mattress, the total cost of furniture shopping can quickly add up to thousands of dollars. What many consumers do not realize is that furniture stores are often more willing to negotiate on price than most other retail establishments. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the various ways you can secure a discount at a furniture store, the best times to shop for deals, and the negotiation strategies that can help you save significant money on your next furniture purchase.
The Furniture Industry's Pricing Structure
To understand why furniture stores are often open to discounting, it helps to understand the industry's pricing structure. Furniture typically carries a significant markup from the wholesale cost to the retail price. This markup can range from 200 to 400 percent or more, meaning that a sofa that costs the retailer $500 from the manufacturer might be priced at $1,500 to $2,000 on the showroom floor. This substantial markup provides considerable room for negotiation and discounting while still allowing the retailer to maintain a profitable margin.
The furniture industry also operates on a relatively slow inventory turnover model. Unlike grocery stores or clothing retailers that need to move inventory quickly, furniture stores often hold inventory for weeks or months before making a sale. The costs of storing, displaying, and maintaining furniture inventory create incentives for retailers to offer discounts to move merchandise and free up floor space for new arrivals.
When to Shop for the Best Furniture Deals
Timing your furniture purchase strategically can result in significant savings. The furniture industry has well-established seasonal sales patterns that savvy shoppers can take advantage of.
Presidents' Day weekend in February is traditionally one of the biggest furniture sales events of the year. Many retailers offer substantial discounts during this holiday weekend, and it is an excellent time to find deals on a wide range of furniture categories. Memorial Day weekend in May and Labor Day weekend in September are also major furniture sales periods, as these holidays mark the transition between seasons and provide an opportunity for retailers to clear existing inventory.
The Fourth of July holiday is another popular time for furniture sales, with many retailers running promotions that extend throughout the week surrounding the holiday. Black Friday and Cyber Monday in November have also become significant furniture shopping events, with both brick-and-mortar and online retailers offering aggressive discounts.
January and July are traditionally the months when furniture stores introduce new collections, which means the outgoing styles and models are often discounted to make room. Shopping during these transition periods can yield excellent deals on furniture that is being discontinued or replaced by updated models. While the selection may be more limited, the savings can be substantial.
Negotiation Strategies That Work
Unlike most retail environments where prices are fixed, furniture stores often have a culture of negotiation. Sales associates at many furniture stores have the authority to offer discounts, or they can escalate to a manager who does. Here are several effective strategies for negotiating a better price.
Start by doing your research before visiting the store. Know the prices of comparable furniture at competing retailers and online stores. Having this information gives you leverage during the negotiation and demonstrates to the salesperson that you are an informed buyer. If you can show that a competitor offers the same or similar piece at a lower price, many stores will match or beat that price to earn your business.
Buying multiple pieces of furniture at the same time gives you significant negotiating power. If you are furnishing an entire room or multiple rooms, let the salesperson know that you are prepared to make a large purchase if the price is right. Bundle deals, where you receive a discount for purchasing several items together, are common in the furniture industry and can result in savings of 10 to 20 percent or more on the total purchase.
Ask about floor model or display discounts. Floor models are the pieces of furniture that are on display in the showroom. Because they have been sat on, touched, and exposed to light, they may show minor signs of wear. Many stores will offer significant discounts on floor models, sometimes as much as 30 to 50 percent off the regular price. If you do not mind minor cosmetic imperfections, floor models can be an excellent value.
Additional Ways to Save on Furniture
Beyond negotiation and timing, there are several other strategies for saving money on furniture purchases. Many furniture stores offer financing promotions, such as zero percent interest for 12 to 48 months. While financing does not reduce the purchase price, it does allow you to spread the cost over time without paying interest, which can make a large purchase more manageable.
Ask about free delivery and setup. Many furniture stores charge delivery fees that can range from $50 to $200 or more, depending on the distance and the number of items. Some stores will waive the delivery fee as part of the negotiation, particularly if you are making a large purchase. This is a relatively easy concession for the store to make and represents real savings for you.
Consider shopping at furniture outlets, warehouse stores, and consignment shops. These retailers often offer furniture at significantly lower prices than traditional furniture showrooms. Outlet stores sell overstocked, discontinued, and slightly imperfect furniture at reduced prices. Consignment shops sell pre-owned furniture that is often in excellent condition at a fraction of the original price.
Online vs. In-Store Furniture Shopping
The rise of online furniture retailers has added another dimension to the discount landscape. Online retailers like Wayfair, Article, and Overstock often offer competitive prices because they have lower overhead costs than traditional brick-and-mortar stores. Many online retailers also run frequent sales and offer promotional codes that can provide additional savings.
However, in-store shopping has its own advantages when it comes to securing discounts. The ability to negotiate directly with a salesperson is a significant advantage that is generally not available when shopping online. Being able to see and touch the furniture before buying also reduces the risk of returns, which can involve expensive shipping fees for large items.
The best approach may be to combine online and in-store shopping. Research prices and options online, then visit stores to see the furniture in person and negotiate for the best price. Many stores will match online prices if you show them a lower price from a reputable online retailer.
When Stores Are Less Likely to Discount
While many furniture stores are willing to negotiate, there are situations where discounts may be harder to obtain. New collections that have just arrived are less likely to be discounted because there is no urgency to move this inventory. High-demand items that are selling quickly may not be discounted because the store knows they will sell at full price. Custom-ordered furniture, which is made to your specifications, typically does not carry the same flexibility for discounting because the store has committed to a specific production order on your behalf.
Even in these situations, however, it never hurts to ask. The worst that can happen is the store says no, and you can always walk away and return later when the item may be priced more favorably. The furniture buying process rewards patience, preparation, and a willingness to ask for a better deal.
