Online furniture shopping is fairly new to me, but I have been able to ask questions of my friends still in the biz and have done a little of my own research. To that end, I want to spend some time on what furniture shopping online is and should be all about.
I remember when I went to work for Jake Jabs in Denver, Colorado. At the time, he like myself, did not believe that online furniture shopping was ever going to work. Furniture is sort of a feel purchase. Most people want to know what a couch feels like before they sit in it, and likewise with a chair or recliner. Furniture shopping online does not seem to afford people that opportunity. Additionally, I was always uncomfortable with a big purchase like furniture happening online since I didnt know where it was coming from or who was responsible for it.
In the last couple of years, though, I have really come around (as has Jake Jabs for that matter). Now, I see that many online furniture stores are offering local showrooms or at least information on where you can go to see the furniture you are considering. Additionally, they are offering better and better customer service. A quick search of online furniture shopping sites will give you an idea of who is doing what they are supposed to.
The growth of the internet has helped online furniture shopping take off. So many people are online that reviews are easy to locate and both good and bad word of mouth spreads super fast.
Where to Start
Just as a way to kick things off, I think that some of the best online furniture shopping that happens is in the
Used Furniture Market. With
Ebay's popularity along with other auctions, you can get a fair price in a true free market. Additionally, services like
Almost Free Furniture will allow you to participate in a used furniture only market online. This is where I first came around, and if you are looking to save a little money on things then maybe you should too.
