Buying your next bed set online is definitely the way to go when you consider how much further your spending dollars will go thanks to low prices and ongoing clearance sales. But buying furniture online is a bit different than buying it at your local furniture store. Here are some things to consider before ordering your bedroom furniture online.
Assembly required
While a lot of furniture today comes with little or no assembly required, a bed set is a bit different. In addition to the need to screw on feet for your nightstand and/or dresser, you will have to assemble the bed in place. Your bed will come disassembled no matter where you get it, but local stores may offer assembly and placement services at an additional cost.
When you buy online, you’ll be handling that assembly yourself. If you are not physically capable, or you just don’t have the time, you may need to arrange for someone else to assemble and place the bed. You can choose someone that provides odd jobs in your neighborhood, or you can arrange for a friend or family member to be on-site when the bed arrives.
Delivery method
When you order new bedroom furniture set at your local brick and mortar furniture store, they will usually provide delivery at an additional cost. Your bed set will be loaded on their truck, brought to your home, and is assembled and/or placed where you wish. This will usually be handled with a small box truck and crew from the furniture store.
When you buy your bedroom furniture online your order will be delivered directly to your door, usually by one of the big shippers (DHL, UPS, FedEx, etc.). These delivery persons are not allowed to come into your home as a matter of company policy. They will literally leave the furniture on your doorstep. If you aren’t able to bring it in yourself, you should arrange to have someone there to help you bring it inside.
Returns and damaged furniture
If the furniture is damaged or otherwise unusable when it arrives, you will have to contact the company with which you placed your order. Reputable online furniture stores have reasonable return policies, especially when it comes to damages during shipment. The furniture store should have the items insured before they are shipped to minimize their costs if an item must be returned due to damage in shipping.
It is very unlikely that your bedroom set will arrive damaged when you order from an online store. Those deliveries are typically handled by the store’s own employees, and it is in their best interests to make sure the furniture arrives whole and ready to assemble/place in the bedroom. On the other hand, you could pay large delivery fees for that peace of mind, and reputable online retailers handle returns quickly and fairly at no additional cost to you.