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
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:
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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!
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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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