Author Topic: Hidden Costs To Be Aware of When Buying Furniture  (Read 1805 times)

Offlineiikanjisong

Full Member


There are hidden costs when buying furniture, and that is why it usually ends up costing more than its sticker price. Your $1500 sofa can easily end up costing over $2000. But how did you end up spending hundreds more than you thought you would?

Buying furniture is no different from buying any other consumer product, be it cars, electronics, or anything else. There are always upgrades, hidden fees, insurances, and then there's the sales tax, which somehow catches everyone by surprise, but shouldn't.


Customization

Sometimes when you pick out a sofa you like the frame, but want it in a different fabric. You want a different color for the legs, or maybe a different style. Maybe you even want extra pillows with it. It can be done, but usually at a cost.

While customizing furniture enables you to get exactly what you want, it can often come with a price. Be sure to factor that in when you make your purchase. Whenever you order a different fabric, legs, arms, anything that is different from the piece in front of you, make sure to ask your salesperson about any additional costs you may be incurring.


Furniture Protection Plans

Sometimes furniture stores will try to sell you furniture protection plans. These plans offer repairs should anything happen to your furniture within the plan's time frame. This is similar to buying insurance. Some people feel it is better to have insurance just in case, others feel that it is not worth the extra expense.

Usually, these plans end up costing anywhere from $100 to 6% of the total cost of furniture. Don't agree to purchase this insurance simply because it is being offered, unless you feel the need.


Fabric Protection Plans

Similar to furniture protection plans, fabric protection plans are meant to cover any accidents, but in this case, specifically with your fabric.

Again, this is similar to taking out an insurance policy. Before you accept to buy any such protection plan, pause to think if it is really worth your while.

Most fabric has already been treated at the manufacturer's, so unless you have small children, pets, or entertain a lot, you may want to think about passing on purchasing this insurance plan.


Delivery Fees

Sometimes customers balk at paying delivery fees and cancel the entire transaction based on the having to pay that extra money. Maybe, the reason is that the delivery fee costs come up right at the end when the customer is ready to wrap everything up and make the payment.

Ask about delivery expenses and policies before you decide on a furniture purchase so there are no nasty surprises. Consider that the bulky and heavy furniture has to get to your home from the store, and it is worthwhile considering the logistics beforehand. If you think you can get the furniture home yourself, you can most likely skip this expense. But if you have to rent a truck or hire someone to bring the furniture home, then remember to add that cost to your budget as well.


Disassembling Fees

Another cost that is related to delivery may have nothing to do with the retailer.

It is the cost of getting the furniture into your home when it is too large or heavy,  because it may call for disassembling your furniture. This is especially true of city dwellers who live in older multi-story buildings with no elevators.

This may even happen in a single story home with narrow doors or hallways. While there are companies that will disassemble the furniture to carry it inside and then put it back together, they will do it for a fee. Don't forget to add this cost if you anticipate this scenario.



Article Source: www.thespruce.com