How to Negotiate Furniture Prices? Fool-Proof Guide

In this article, you’ll learn the tips and tricks on how to negotiate furniture prices.

First, whenever you buy furniture, don’t assume that the price quoted is the lowest or best price available. Some retailers are willing to give discounts to close a sale.

Negotiating the price of furniture can be daunting. The first step is knowing how much you’re willing to spend, what you want, and what you’re considering buying. It would help if you also decided how much of a discount you’re ready to take and what your walk-away point is.

Then, you can approach a salesperson and let them know your limits.

Why You Should Negotiate Furniture Prices

There are multiple reasons why customers haggle with salespeople in furniture stores; in some cases, to pay less, and in other cases to secure a better deal.

Here are some of the reasons why you should negotiate for furniture prices:

Odd Prices

Furniture stores sometimes charge customers more than they should because they add on extras.

For example, a delivery fee may not be included, which is different from other furniture stores.

Or taxes might be added even though they are not supposed to be, which can sometimes lead to overpaying by the customer.

Asking questions and negotiating lower prices can help keep you from overpaying.

Clearing Items

Almost every furniture store has a clearance section, with prices slashed to get them quickly out of the warehouse.

You can usually negotiate a lower price on clearance items, especially if you are buying at the end of the season and want some of the styles that are only available on clearance.

Can’t Afford the Full Price

Buyers often try to negotiate lower prices on furniture they want but cannot afford to pay the total cost.

When negotiating a lower price, buyers use some of the reasons.

They can afford it, enjoy the item terrible enough, feel like they deserve a discount, and have nothing to lose.

The store owner usually makes a final decision on whether or not the customer will get a lower price or not.

Note: Store owners get the last say because of their experience with price negotiations or such situations before. 

Buyers should use their knowledge to negotiate well and get what they want.

Tips and Tricks on How to Negotiate Prices at the Furniture Store

With all that in mind, can you negotiate furniture prices?

ABSOLUTELY!

You need the right strategic plan. Some strategies for negotiating a lower price on furniture include the following:

• The customer can prove that they can’t afford it
• The customer is willing to pay less than the asking price
• The customer insists that they deserve a break, and
• The customer can show confidence and makes a compelling case.

According to retail experts, furniture is marked up by at least 50 – 70% in most stores, and it’s not uncommon for the markup to be as much as 200%.

In other words, buying furniture at retail price is one of the worst consumer rip-offs. Here are some tips and tricks to negotiate furniture prices:

Do Some Research

Checking out sale ads from local stores and doing an online search helps determine a reasonable price to pay for furniture.

When negotiating with a salesperson, he will be aware of your knowledge about costs because you did some research on the subject, which means he’ll be less likely to take advantage of you.

For example, if the salesman wants $1,500 for a piece of furniture but you later find out that buying it at a competitor would only cost $1,00, you won’t stand much of a chance at trying to get him to lower the price.

Plan the Furniture Store Visit

To get the best deals on furniture, visit your local furniture store in the final week of a salesperson’s month.

Stores with incentives give salespeople monthly quotas to meet, so they’re often more willing to negotiate on price and other issues if you visit during the last week each month.

It might also be more advantageous to shop on weekdays because most salespeople have more flexibility in their schedules than on weekends.

Start Negotiating For The Furniture

Salespersons are trained to reduce the price if necessary to get a sale. This is a critical point to understand when figuring out how to negotiate furniture prices.

Try to make the listed furniture price to an obstacle by first explaining that you would like to buy this sofa or patio set, yet it’s way over your intended budget.

You can also bring up the competitor’s lower price. Don’t forget to mention you saw the same furniture set at a different store and it was significantly cheaper.

Note: Always ask if they would match that price or offer a discount so that you could take home this piece rather than go with something cheaper but less desirable.

Ask For Concessions

When shopping, you may encounter a salesperson who won’t knock down the price of an item.

However, you can always ask for concessions that might make your purchase more appealing and affordable.

If a low price is important to you, suggest one or more of the following:

• Delivery services
• Warranties on purchases
• Other accessories

If your request is denied, offer to purchase other add-ons or wait until the store offers its products at a discount.

Additional Strategies to Help you Negotiate Better and Pay Less

Ask For A Manager

If you cannot reach an agreement with the salesperson and are unwilling to offer further options, ask to speak with a manager and explain to them precisely what you need.

Sometimes, someone can assist you when you cannot progress your matter on your own.

It’s worth asking if the manager can help you somehow, whether accessories or delivery services or discounts.

Most managers at stores are usually happy to listen and help their customers if they can.

Find the Faults in the Furniture

It is best to inspect a piece of furniture or equipment before you buy it to ensure it is not damaged and that parts work correctly.

It is also worth asking for a discount if previous owners have worn the item or has not been well cared for.

Fact: Second-hand items are often cheaper than new ones as they are less fancy and can be more challenging to sell.

Pay In Cash

Here’s why paying cash is so intelligent when shopping for furniture.

You get to take your time during the buying process, eliminating the stress and uncertainty of owning a business a large sum of money.

January and February are considered the best months for furniture sales.

A good time to buy new furniture is also in September and August, which coincide with the end of summer and winter vacations.

Always Know The Furniture Specs

If you’re shopping for something and know the most important specs to you, you’ll have a better idea of how much it will cost and if it’s worth the price.

If, for instance, you’re shopping for an office desk and you know that having ample space for your knees is essential to you, then you’ll know whether or not one desk is worth more than another because of a bigger kneehole.

Note: It is unlikely that furniture stores will offer more than a 25 percent discount on any non-clearance item.

However, suppose you are buying an accessory in addition to a larger piece of furniture.

In that case, it might be possible to negotiate the accessory price down by a more significant amount.

Shop at Independent Stores

Many large, chain-oriented retailers tend to have price guarantees. They may not be willing to negotiate the price at all.

However, independent stores may afford you more flexibility if you seek to haggle.

If you find a price for an item at a local store significantly different from what is offered at the big chains, you may have some leeway in negotiating with the seller.

Fact: If you want to bargain for a better price on an item at the store, offer to buy a floor model.

Read Next: How to Mix and Match Wood Furniture in Bedroom?

Final Thought

If you’re wondering how to negotiate furniture prices, understand that negotiating the price of furniture is possible as long as you know what you want.

It is essential to maintain a pleasant expression, be personable, and have patience.

If you are too eager to purchase the goods and appear desperate, sellers will not want to spend their time bargaining with you.

However, it is essential not to come off as hostile or angry, as this can scare sellers away.

It is important to remember that generally if a salesperson knows upfront what your budget is, they will be more likely to work with you and try to get them to meet the amount you can afford.

But be sure not to offend anyone at the store.