Online Furniture Shopping Do's and Don’ts

Buying furniture online can be a little scary. Not being able to see items before you buy them means you can't be 100% sure of what you're getting. It can also be big and costly hassle to return things. So before you start buying furniture online check out these online furniture shopping do's and don'ts.

DO be sure to research the store or person you're buying from. Google them and see what you can find.

DON'T forget to read the reviews. Reviews of the item and the seller are very important.

DO inquire about the seller's return policy. There's always the chance an item can be damaged during shipping and you want to be sure you can return it if necessary. It's also important in case you get the item and it doesn't fit, the color is off, or it was misrepresented in some other way.

DON'T just skim the information and be sure to read the fine print. Buying things without seeing them first can be scary so make sure you read everything about the item, returns, shipping and so on.

DO figure out if you'll have to assemble the item once it arrives. If so, make sure you're up to the challenge.

DO find out if the item is available locally. If it is you should go and check it out in person.

DON'T forget to take the cost of shipping into account. Shipping prices can be high, particularly if it has to cross a border (in which case you might have to pay duty).

DO read the description of the item color. Computer monitors can vary and the colors aren't always properly represented. Don't just assume something is black – it could be navy blue!

DO pay close attention to the size. Make sure the item will fit through the door, up or down the stairs and wherever you want it to go. Shipping items back to where they came from can be a big (and expensive) hassle.