View all news stories

Is it possible to successfully purchase the likes of good quality furniture online?

The Internet has revolutionised the way we do our shopping but is it possible to successfully purchase the likes of good quality furniture such as sofas online? Well the overriding answer is yes, but the purchase needs to be well thought out and certain rules need to be adhered to. Buying online can provide greater choice and more competitive prices.

Buying a sofa whether online or in a conventional furniture store requires some careful thought and consideration. Basic rules such as:

• Size – be sure of your measurements and the dimensions of your room;
• Style, colour, fabric or leather;
• Type, 2-seater, 3-seater, corner-seater;
• How much usage the sofa will have;
• Comfort – what shape do you require, do you want squashy cushions or firm;
• Children and pets, how will the sofa be cleaned;
• Traditional or modern; and
• Budget.

Even when we have all the necessary information to make a purchase it is still difficult when we go to a furniture store to buy a sofa, so buying online can be more fraught with difficulty. To successfully buy online we have to be precise about what is required and be certain of the specification, as well as the basic rules some additional items should be considered, such as:

• The reputation of the retailer, check reviews of the retailer and the products, check the customer service provisions;
• Look for a good website that has clear photographs of the products and provides all the necessary measurements and relevant information;
• Check company reputation
• Make sure you have company contact details, address, telephone number, head office;
• Pay by credit card or through a secure payment system;
• Check delivery terms and conditions, does the retailer deliver to the particular area and are there any specific delivery charges or instructions;
• Check returns and damaged goods information;
• Check guaranties and warranties, be aware of your distance selling rights;
• If you have questions about the product, contact the retailer and seek the information;
• Keep details of all transactions.

It might be preferable to try-before-you-buy but this is not always practical, especial as we live such hectic lives at time and not many of us have the time to go traipsing around high street stores. Nonetheless, with some intelligent preparation and effort it is completely plausible to buy high quality, high comfort and stylish sofas online successfully.