Helpful things to look out for when shopping for furniture online

Buying your furniture online comes with a myriad of benefits, including saving time and money, greater selections and overall convenience, and browsing through stores all from the comfort of your own home.

However, this easy and efficient way of shopping comes with its own set of challenges. There’s nothing worse than buying a new item for your home only to realise it doesn’t quite match your decor and go through the headache of trying to return your purchase, except the website you shopped from doesn’t have a decent return policy.

There are certain factors that should be considered to ensure your online purchase goes smoothly. We’ve put together the top considerations to have before you add those items to your cart and proceed to check out.

Free return shipping

It can be frustrating to invest in a new piece of furniture for your home, only to realize that it’s not the right fit – or that it’s not quite what you expected, and then to be charged a fee to return or exchange it.

Before you commit to your online purchase, be sure to check the store’s return policy so you know exactly what to expect if you’re not entirely happy with your purchase. Try and look for online stores that offer free return shipping on your goods, and be sure to check their shipping policies between metro and rural areas.

Refunds and store credits

Refunds and store credits are an essential aspect of online shopping, and while store credits may seem like a good option, it’s always better to choose a company that offers a refund rather than just a credit.

This is because store credits are limiting and may only be applicable to a particular range of products and can be subject to expiration dates and other restrictions, reducing their value and convenience.

Ensuring the store offers a refund guarantees you’ll receive your money back into your account if the furniture doesn’t meet your expectations. This is a great way to shop with peace of mind, knowing you have ‘nothing to lose’ and gives you the option of greater flexibility and freedom to shop around.

Visible contact details

Another crucial factor to look out for is if the company website you’re using has readily available contact details, particularly when it comes to larger purchases like furniture.

By having readily available means of communication, such as a local Australian number or a 1300 number, you can have peace of mind that you can quickly address any concerns, and questions, or get help with any issues that may come up during or after your purchase. After all, there’s nothing more frustrating than needing help and not having a way to contact someone!

Authentic content that looks real

A good telltale sign of a legitimate business that takes pride in its products is one that has original, reliable, and trustworthy information that has not been copied or replicated from other websites (without proper attribution or permission). Be sure to look at their product photography. Does it clearly illustrate the product and show you different angles? Or is there only one, low-quality picture?

Not only does authentic content ensure you’re purchasing through a genuine website, but it can also provide reassurance that the product you are buying will be true to the description, making it easier for you to make an informed purchase decision.

What are some of the things you look out for when buying furniture online?