Even before the pandemic, ordering furniture and other housewares online was becoming increasingly popular. During the pandemic, deciding to redecorate or completely renovate a home has burgeoned.
We deliver a lot of furniture all over Northwest Arkansas and Central Arkansas (and lots of places in between!) and get to see first-hand why sometimes people who ordered furniture online decide to reject the delivery. Sometimes, there are minor flaws on the piece that happens somewhere along the supply chain process, but many times, it’s for another reason, such as the customer changing their mind or the item ending up not looking the same as they thought it would.
That’s what gave us the idea, as a final mile delivery service, to help customers with a few tips on ordering furniture and other large household goods online.
Check reviews
This advice may sound incredibly obvious, but it’s essential to state. Look at reviews for not only the items you are looking at purchasing but other reviews. How is customer service? Do people report that the item is as pictured? Check other review sites in addition to the retailer’s own website. This should be an easy Google search.
Understand the return policy
Each retailer is going to have its return policy. Make sure you understand and accept the terms before ordering.
Get color and fabric samples when available
Computer screens can distort the true colors of an item, depending on your settings and the photography quality. Also, it’s important to see how the fabric would be in the space you want to put it. Many retailers, including our client Wayfair, offer different fabric samples for free.
Keep your space in mind when measuring
This tip is two-fold. First, when measuring your space and comparing it to the item description, make sure you’re allowing for area around it, including the room as a whole. For example, if you purchase a king bed and get a large headboard, it will visually (and often literally) take up more space. You may not want this in a small room.
We recommend using masking tape to mark out the space you want the item to go. That will help you visualize how much space it will take up in the room, especially in relation to other room items. This is not something you want to trust to your mind’s eye.
The second part of “keep your space in mind” is your move-in space. Can pieces of the furniture be removed as part of move-in? If not, what doorways, tight corners in stairwells, etc., will it have to go through to arrive in the room you want the item?
Consider how the item will be used in your home
Are you ordering a kitchen table that will have books, lots of hands, and other items on it frequently? Make sure you aren’t getting a table with an easy-scratch surface. Same with couches or other upholstered items. If you have pets or small children, you want to keep that in mind when ordering.
Use retailer resources
If you can find blogs or other guides for ordering on the retailer’s website (or even a Google search), use them! The retailers especially will be offering advice with their products in mind. They will help you have a more successful purchase.
We are the premier final mile delivery provider in Northwest Arkansas and Central Arkansas. We service the entire four-state area! If you are a retailer looking to move freight or give high-quality white glove and final mile services to our region, we would love to talk with you.