Whenever you visit a city, even your hometown, chances are you’ll find a store that sells pre-owned goods. Thrift stores, antique markets, and consignment shops are great ways to find unique items at a fraction of the cost. You can often see things that are no longer being made or are very rare.
However, consignment shops, particularly those that sell furniture, are popular because they often have various items to choose from. You can usually find furniture that’s in excellent condition despite being pre-owned and offers a great deal. However, buying consignment furniture is often tricky because the quality guarantee isn’t always possible, and some items can still cost much despite being pre-owned. For this reason, here are some tips to help you buy the best consignment furniture:
#1 – Go to the Store Early
Consignment furniture stores often have various items to choose from, coming in and out quickly. You should visit the store early to ensure you get the best deals. That way, you can browse the furniture and pick the best pieces for your home.
#2 – Ask the Shop Owner for Recommendations
The shop owner is the best person to ask for recommendations. If you’re looking for a specific type of furniture, such as a couch, ask the owner if they have any recommendations. The owner knows a lot about the items they have in store and can offer some great advice. They may even have some hidden treasures that aren’t on display.
#3 – Check Items Thoroughly for Damages
Of course, you need to check for damages since consignment furniture is pre-owned. Because you’re buying used furniture, you can’t expect it to be in perfect condition. You should check for any major damages, such as rips, stains, or water damage. If you’re buying a piece of furniture that needs to be assembled, ensure all the pieces are there.
#4 – Check for Possible Restoration
If a piece of consignment furniture is damaged, that doesn’t mean it can’t be restored. For example, a ripped couch could be patched up and reupholstered, while water-damaged dressers may just need new drawer pulls. It may cost you more, but it will be worth it because you’ll get a piece of furniture you love.
#5 – Don’t Be Afraid to Ask about High Price Tags
As mentioned earlier, consignment furniture is meant to be affordable, but some can still have high price tags. If you find one that you like but is expensive, you should ask about it because you can still get it at a lower price through negotiation.
Let’s say you found a couch you love, but it’s priced at $2,000. You can offer to pay $1,500, and the store might agree to your offer. However, if they don’t, you can ask if they’re willing to lower the price by 10% or 20%. You should be willing to negotiate to ensure you get your money’s worth.
#6 – Ask about the Return Policy
Consignment furniture stores have different return policies. Some allow you to return the piece within a week of buying it, while others have a shorter return window. Some stores will even charge a restocking fee for returns. You should always ask about the return policy before buying any furniture. That way, you can return it if you’re unhappy with it or it doesn’t fit in your home.
#7 – Be Open-Minded
When you shop at a consignment furniture store, you should be open-minded. You might not find the exact piece of furniture you’re looking for. However, you might find something even better. Be open to different styles, colors, and materials. You might be surprised by what you see.
Conclusion
Going to a consignment store is an excellent way to save money on furniture. You can often find high-quality furniture for a fraction of the price you would pay at a regular store. While some may still have high price tags, it ultimately depends on negotiating and finding one worth your money.
If you need help with furniture consignment in Naples, Florida, Collective Consignment can help you! We understand there’s still value in used furniture, so we’ll work with you to get the most value out of them. Simply go to our website to get started!