Furnishing a new home can be an expensive venture. Whether you choose to purchase used or new furniture, saving money when purchasing items can help keep your costs low.
There are several ways to do this, from signing up for price alerts to haggling with sellers. Moreover, certain times of the year are better than others to buy furniture.
Free Shipping
You’ve browsed, bargain-hunted, and finally found that perfect piece of furniture. But now comes the hard part: bringing it home. Delivery fees and return policies can be complicated and expensive, depending on where you shop.
Online retailers generally offer better return policies than their walk-in counterparts. Still, they also typically charge higher delivery fees for more oversized furniture items that must be shipped by truck.
The best way to save on delivery fees is to use a coupon code or free shipping offer when you check out. Often, these can be found on the retailer’s website or in its email newsletter.
Many furniture stores also offer rewards programs for loyal customers that can help you save even more on future purchases.
Cash Back
There are a few different ways to finance furniture. Several options are available to obtain funding, including personal loans, credit cards, or home equity lines of credit. Each has its pros and cons. For example, a personal loan has fixed interest rates. A credit card has variable rates, but you can usually get a 0% introductory rate for 12 months or more on furniture purchases. This can be a good option if you carefully pay off the purchase before the introductory rate ends.
Another way to buy furniture is to pay cash. This is the best way to avoid any interest charges or fees that can add up over time. However, it may only be an option for some, especially if you want to build your credit score or have other savings goals.
Lastly, you can also get a discount when you use a store-specific credit card that offers cash back. For instance, if you shop at a local furniture store with a credit card, you can earn up to 5% cash back on your purchase. You can find these cards by checking the online offers of banks, credit unions, and other lenders. Then, compare the options to see which card fits you best. Some of these cards also have special sign-up bonuses that are worth considering.
Reward Points
From reorganizing your home office to updating your startup’s furniture, investing in quality pieces that help you and your team stay productive is essential. Whether you’re looking to make a big purchase or need to upgrade your living room, Ashley Furniture offers a variety of coupons and promotions that help you save money.
If you frequently shop at furniture stores, consider getting a credit card offering rewards or cashback. However, before applying for a new card, it’s essential to carefully compare the benefits, fees, and other terms and conditions. It would be best if you also were wary of putting any major purchases on a credit card that charges high interest rates, as this can lead to debt that you might not be able to pay off promptly.
While some experts advise against putting expensive purchases on credit cards, others argue that it can be a good idea if you can afford to pay off the debt in a reasonable amount of time. It’s important to note that using a credit card for a large purchase could impact your credit score if you carry a balance or make late payments.
Discounts
Furniture shopping can be a love-hate experience. On the one hand, it’s fun to flip through catalogs and imagine how pieces will look in your home. On the other hand, the actual buying process can be stressful if you’re working with limited money. Fortunately, there are several tricks to save when buying new furniture.
Some stores will negotiate prices, while others are less willing to do so.
You can also score a discount by buying showroom floor models with minor blemishes or scratches. Often, these pieces will be sold at half the price of a brand-new piece of furniture.
Another great time to shop for furniture is in the months immediately before new styles hit the showroom floor. Because retailers want to make room for the new styles, they are more likely to offer discounts on older items.
You can save a lot by shopping at local thrift stores, garage sales, or resale malls. You can find unique and affordable pieces that may not be available online. Of course, it takes a bit longer to save up the money for these types of purchases, but in the end, you’ll be able to buy what you want without putting a substantial monthly payment on your credit card.
Remember that furniture shopping is a personal experience, and the right choices for one person may not be the same for another. Ultimately, prioritize comfort, quality, and your own personal style when making your selections.
