Advice for buying furniture

[wewokahorn]

I'm an old hand at buying vehicles and houses, but this is the first time I've had to pick out and buy furniture by myself (leather couches, specifically). Is the price negotiable or should I expect to pay "sticker price"?

 

[shorty]

Always ask. All they can say is no.

 

[HornBud]

There are huge margins on furniture, especially the name brands. There is definitely room for lots of negotiations. The salesfolks tend to be on commission only pay plans, which are paid on gross profit.

 

[kmac30]

always ask for something off. ask for 50%... you're probably not going to get it, but it'll get you started. friend's dad never pays full price for furniture or electronics. he's got me motivated.

 

[omahawk]

rarely is a pricetag the final price.

best buy for example. they almost always have a price match in their system but don't tell you about it unless you ask.

it's like calling into papa johns and ordering a large. a large is $14.99, but if you ask what specials they have you can get a large at $9.99. or two for $12.99 (i eat pizza A LOT)

comission sales employees can always lower the price so long as they get manager approval. so depending on stock and already reduced rates, JUST ASK!

 

[Napoleon]

Do NOT pay sticker price!!!

I've sold furniture for a fellow Horn. Most things at discount furniture places are listed at double the cost. That's fair enough if you know retail, but even those guys will drop about 20% or more.

Anything listed on SALE! is not on sale.

Anything at a nice furniture store, is listed at much more than 100% markup.

Remember, the more you buy, the larger percentage they'll take off.

Just like a car, act like you don't like the couch that you REALLY want. Think of something that's a little different that you wish that it had and then be disappointed that they don't have that.

Also, shop around.

Furniture is as much of a haggling business as nearly anything out there. And don't dress like you have a lot of money. And don't park your expensive car right in front of the doorway.

Good luck.

 

[valencia]

My Dad was a buyer for Gabbert's furniture store in Dallas. He always said the best place to buy furniture was Weir's in Dallas, as they sell furniture from manufacturers which has been discontinued. They have several locations.

 

[WooHorn]

Weir's is apparently the exception b/c they don't discount:

June 2009 DMN Article on Weir's