First time online shoppers may feel some apprehensions about purchasing online, and this is especially true when purchasing larger items like furniture. However, just because it can seem scary doesn’t mean it has to be. Homelement has some great tips to make sure that your online purchasing experience is an enjoyable and as easy as possible. Follow the tips below for a successful furniture shopping online!
1. Plan Ahead
Purchasing larger items take time and ordering large items online is no different. Online stores can have many more product options to choose from compared to a retail store. This gives customers more choices but also means customers need to take more browse through and make sure they pick the piece that is right for them. Customers purchasing furniture also need to leave time for shipping and delivery. Bedroom, living room, office and dining room sets are large items and therefore cannot be overnighted to you. They actually can’t even be shipped through normal
carriers, but instead need to be shipped via freight carriers. Because items need to be specially shipped and special care needs to be taken to ensure items arrive in good condition, shipping dining room furniture takes longer than many smaller items. Items can also be put on back-order, especially during the holiday season. Because of these reasons, it is important to give yourself time to shop and time for the product to be delivered in a safe manner. If you are in a time crunch, finding out an order is out of stock or on back-order can be frustrating and disappointing. That is why it is also a good idea to make sure the items you are interested in are in stock before ordering. Giving yourself ample time to place your order will help make certain that you get your dining room furniture in a time that is convenient for you.
2. Details
Information and details about a product you are considering purchasing are always important but this is especially true when you are purchasing online, sight unseen. This is why it is important to deal with a reputable company with helpful and knowledgeable employees who are willing and able to help. Here at Homelement, our customer service department is trained to know as many details as possible about their items, including
sizes, materials, colors, assembly, and more. No question is silly or unimportant when purchasing online and if Homelement doesn’t know the answer to a question, we will find out from someone who does. Before purchasing an item online, make sure you get as much information as possible by asking questions before purchasing. This will ensure that the item you think you’ve ordered is the item you will actually get.
3. Delivery
Unless stated otherwise, most online furniture stores will deliver your purchases as a standard or curbside delivery. Generally, curbside means it will be taken off the truck and left outside, often times in the drive way. It will not be brought in the house. Many companies also offer other delivery methods for an additional price. These include inside delivery, where the items are brought inside the home, and white glove, where items are brought inside and set up. Before placing your order, look into the different methods of shipping that are available and their costs, so you can figure out which is right for you. This way, there will be no surprises when the delivery truck pulls up to your house.
4. Assembly
Because they are such large items, dining room furniture cannot be shipped completely assembled. However, this doesn’t mean if you order a dining room set, you will need to build it completely from the ground up. Different dining room sets have different assembly requirements. If you don’t check what these are before you order, you could wind up with an unhappy surprise on delivery day. Before placing your order, it is a good
idea to inquire about the assembly required. It might be an easy task, for example attaching legs to the chairs or attaching the table top to the base. Other items may require more assembly. Consider how much assembly work you are will to do and how much help you might need before ordering so you don’t become overwhelmed when your shipment arrives.
Shopping for a new dining room set online can seem stressful, but it doesn’t have to be! Here at Homelement, we want to make your online shopping experience a positive one. Follow these steps above when browsing Homelement for your new furniture and you can be sure that your furniture shopping experience will be an enjoyable one!