Monday, September 28, 2015

How to Get A Deal on Everything...and The Kitchen Sink!


Are do it yourself (DIY) projects not really your thing but you don’t want to pay more than you have to for a brilliantly decorated home? Don’t worry! There are many ways to spend savvy without being a master craftsman or a upholstery guru. Here are a few helpful tips for getting the biggest bargain out of your buck:



Step 1: Make a list



As the saying goes “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail”. Make a detailed list of items you need (this list can include product names and even the stores that sell these items). This will make the search easier, keep you from getting off track, and stop you from over spending or wasting time with unnecessary items. To make this list, we recommend that you browse online and visit the actual stores to get a better idea of what you like. Remember, just because the in-store price is expensive doesn’t mean you won’t be able to find it for less...dream big! This list will come in handy for the following two steps. 



Step 2: Open up that online browser



Everyone is online shopping these days, right? Perhaps, but everyone may not be doing it right! There are thousands of online stores (Amazon, Overstock, etc.) and often times many of them have bigger sales and better prices than the traditional stores because they don’t spend on overhead for staff and showroom space (good news for us). Taking this a step further is online thrifting (EBay, Craigslist, Freecycle, Nextdoor, etc.).  However, there are different risks involved with buying online. Always remember to be safe if meeting with someone from online and always check for reviews from other buyers when possible. Check to see if your job has a business-wide forum (would be similar to a private craigslist) for buying and selling and they can prove to be great finds as well. Having the exact product name or store name (see Step 1) is helpful for making your online search streamlined and more efficient. Setting up price alerts on sites or using apps like IFTTT to keep you updated on product names can reduce your time spent searching as well. Remember, this is a digital flea market so haggling is expected; it's ok to attempt bargaining.



Step 3: Be at the right place at the right time



Timing is everything and patience is a virtue so TAKE YOUR TIME. Furniture stores tend to put out new products in February and August which means they clear out old inventory around January and July, if you can time your purchasing around then you can really rack up in the savings; the same goes for the big holidays (Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day and the infamous Black Friday).  Buying a piece or two at a time will help make your choices wisely and help to avoid buying poor quality that won’t last. You will not regret the work you put in at swap meets, thrift shops, garage sales, consignment stores, and if you can find an extravagant estate sale then just think of it like a treasure hunt. It goes without saying, but we will say it anyway, if you can’t afford it, don’t buy it. We caution not to trust the 0% down advertisement in the furniture store window when you can get something of comparable value for a fraction of the cost; many times the advertised deals have wrapped in interest rates or you end up paying full value over time. Last, don't overlook local shops because sometimes you can get a great deal from a local furniture maker and they may even be able to make an awesome replica of something on your wish list for half the cost! Rennai suggests “I would speak with a manager at the local hardware store; depending on the total cost of the project they usually give you an additional discount. Try to shop discontinued items, but make sure to buy extras just in case since the item will no longer be manufactured. If the store you are at does not have enough of the item, ask the representative to check other stores in and out of your area. They can usually order them for you and have them shipped to that store at no extra cost.”



Step 4: Logistics   

 

Where there is a will, there is way! If you don’t have a pick up truck or minivan, or an army of friends to help you gather your great finds then you will most likely have to rent a moving vehicle (Uhaul, Ryder, Penske, Enterprise, Budget, etc.) to claim your furniture if you didn’t buy it online. Be smart and schedule your picks ups in traveling order and on the same day, to help save on rental costs. Also, don’t try to lift your new armoire by yourself, get assistance.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n67RYI_0sc0


Step 5: Enjoy the fruit of your labor! 
 
Be sure to invite your favorite real estate team over to check out your sweet upgrades! Regal Homes loves showcasing before and after projects, check out some of our very own below and feel free to send us yours as well. 

Just to show an example of online shopping price benefits:
We really mean that you can even save on the kitchen sink! This Premier Copper Products 33" x 19" Antique Hammered Single Bowl Kitchen Sink retails for $1,341.35 at shop.com, but Walmart has it for $1,278.49. When every penny counts, make sure that you are researching to find the best price!



Take a look at the Nuvo Lighting N605365 "Beaker" Linear Pendant. This item is listed at Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery for $525.00. Online it can be purchased after tax and
shipping for $349.99 at www.lightingnewyork.com!












 



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