Back in my days as a furniture salesperson, I got a good feel for what types of customers most often ended up unhappy. There are, of course, those that just won’t ever be satisfied, the ones that don’t understand that there is no such thing as perfect furniture, and then there was the hurrier.
The hurrier thinks that he or she must find the right piece of furniture TODAY. He or she also wants that piece of furniture today in the next 10 minutes or it is quite possible the world as we know it will end. To those hurriers out there, I say: take your time. Furniture is not a hurry purchase.
First of all, most furniture retailers worth their salt will turn over styles and models almost constantly. If you don’t see what you want, or something you really like, then wait. Wait until you find the piece that is truly going to make you happy. What, though, if you cant find that piece?
Try special ordering if you have to. If you have to wait 6-8 weeks to get that recliner in the color you want, then do it. Being satisfied with your purchase and happy with your furniture is much more important than being able to pay, pull around, and pick it up in back to take home. Sure, if that happens it is great, but relax and make sure that you will be happy no matter how long it takes.
Secondly, make sure that what you are looking for exists. Yes, people do ask for things they have imagined and have never seen. If that is the case, then you will likely only find your vision from a local custom furniture builder, and not from your local retailer. Retailers are at the mercy of trends and of manufacturers. Your vision may not fit into those.
In the end, I am just trying to tell you to relax. Make furniture shopping leisurely and not a sprint to find the piece closest to what you want as fast as you can. When you are unhappy with your purchase it will hurt you, your retailer, and your salesperson. All you have to do is wait an extra day, week, or month and get it right.
