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Money Savers: Furniture Edition
The times are always changing, and style is too. If you have a room that really needs redecorating or you are just looking for a new piece of furniture, don't let thoughts of an imposing credit card statement deter you! Learn to be a bargain shopper, that's all.
Route #1: Craigslist.
Craigslist (for those of you who don't know) is an internet website and online community where you can buy, sell, and trade almost anything under the sun. It's a great way to simultaneously recycle your existing furniture and unwanted decor into cash (or other goods) while finding unique pieces of pre-owned furniture to fit your style. Monitor Craigslist daily--it's always best to look in the evenings or weekends--and you'll be surprised at some of the deals and one-of-a-kind furniture pieces you'll be able to find. Contacting the seller with your interest is easy -- mostly they will leave a phone number or email, and many sellers are as eager to sell as you are to buy, so communications and transactions are fast and easy. Don't be misled by the preconception that everything on Craigslist is garage-sale quality--in the past, I've scored a glass and parson chair dining room set for $150, an antique six-drawer mahogany desk for $175, and a 5-piece bedroom set of solid mahogany for $750. All are in immaculate condition, and they are valued pieces of my home that I love not only for their classic style, but also for the very reasonable prices I paid. Another perk to Craigslist is that you can negotiate depending on the situation; most sellers honestly just want to get their pieces sold and will be willing to drop the price down $20 or $50 to a nice buyer who's courteous and respectful.
Route #2: Discount, Wholesaler Furniture Stores.
Sometimes, though, you just can't find what you want on Craigslist and are looking for more selection. Or, you simply want to buy new when dealing with upholstered items or personal items like mattresses. Do not, I repeat, do not make the mistake of buying retail. Do not be swayed by awesome "package deals" or "16 months no interest." Wouldn't you rather pay upfront AND get a cheaper price for the same quality AND have no bills to pay after? I know I would. Try wholesaler furniture stores such as American Freight or shop warehouse sales. Far too many people stray from these money-saving venues because they assume inferior quality and poor selection based off of the fact that the store might not have the prettiest cosmetic appearance or because it's not set up like a "cultured" Rooms-to-Go display. On the contrary, these wholesalers will save you literally hundreds of dollards off retail prices, they generally carry great selections, and they sell the same name brands you'll see in the higher-priced, TV advertised stores, though you may have to make an appointment to see the merchandise. Wholesalers are great when looking for living room sets in particular--they offer the same (if not better) sectionals that you'd see at Ashley Furniture for a fraction of the price. I've literally seen the same sofa set retailing for $1600 at a La-Z-Boy gallery and wholesaling for $800 at American Freight. And, with wholesalers, there's no credit card offers no haggle with, and you generally can get your merchandise the same day at lower delivery costs or you can just take the merchandise yourselves.
Route #3: Clearance Rooms in Retail Furniture Stores
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