The Internet has changed the way we do everything. From banking to shopping, why visit the actual location when you can do the same thing from the convenience of your home?
In some cases, there is an advantage to having things online. Paying your bills, transferring money from account to account, and checking your balance is the perfect example. In seconds, you can complete all the work it used to take an hour or more to run out and visit your bank’s local branch.
In other cases, the advantages drop off quickly.
Imagine you are in the market for a new sectional for your family room. After a few hours of online search, you find one you think will look good. The measurements seem to work, the color looks right, so you place your order. A few weeks later it’s delivered, and the nightmare begins. The size is a little larger than recorded on the site; it doesn’t fit into your space. The quality is nothing as promised; it looks like something you purchased from a bad second-hand shop. And the color; not going to work in your home. Time, effort and money wasted, and the search continues.
Furniture is a major purchase. It’s something you will live with for years to come. Get it right, and you’ll enjoy every moment of use. Get it wrong, and you’ll live with regret every single time it comes into view.
While the internet works for some things, for others, not so much. Luckily furniture stores are here to guide you through the process and help you make the right choice for you.
What advantages do furniture stores have to offer?
Touch and Feel
Furniture is a touch and feel product. And by making your selection at a furniture store, you’ll have the ability to determine if the quality is right for you. Look at it. Touch it. Sit on it. Measure it. Consider your options.
Brick and mortar furniture stores give you the advantage of allowing you to spend time with your product before you finalize your selection.
Trying to match colors? Bring in paint chips, swatches of fabric, even décor to match up with your final decisions.
Looking for something with durability? Feel the fabric. Look at the way it’s manufactured. Unzip the cushions and look inside.
Want something that will work for every member of your family? Bring everyone in. Does it provide comfort for watching sports all weekend long? Will it give you the right height as you’re reading your books? You can’t try it out online. But you can when you make your final selection at a furniture store.
Customer Service
When you do business with Paul Schatz, you’ll receive customer service from the time you enter through our doors, through the duration of owning your piece. Have a question? We’re here to help. Need help after delivery? We’ll be here every step of the way.
With online furniture purchases, you’ll often find a company is happy to help you with your selection … until after payment is made. Then help becomes a nightmare. Try to return something, and you’ll have an even more traumatic experience.
When dealing with a salesperson at a furniture store, you’ll have a personal connection every step of the way. You’ll have a friendly face to answer your every question you have. And whether you’re shopping in our Paul Schatz Portland location or in Eugene, you’ll find everything you need to make a well-educated, well-informed decision you’ll be happy with for years to come.
Variety
When you shop online, millions of options are right at your fingertips. That’s not always the best thing.
Type in “blue couches” and you’ll find millions of selections. Change your search term slightly to “blue sofas” and your results will change dramatically. Where do you begin? However will you compare them all? Overwhelm is quick to move in.
By visiting one of our showroom floors, you’ll experience the relief that comes with knowing you’re making the right selection. And with a custom furniture design, you’ll have the ability to create something perfectly suited for you. Choose your size. Choose your fabric. Choose your color. Choose your style. You’ll never have to take something that’s close; design until you have perfection.
Pricing
Why do most people head online to buy their furniture? For a better price. Yet the price you see listed under the selection you are contemplating isn’t always the final price you’ll pay.
Hit the button and place your selection in the shopping cart. That’s when pricing begins to change. How about adding features? Changing colors? Different fabrics? Different models? Shipping? Set up?
With online companies, you’ll also be faced with risk. Just because a company ranks well in the search engines doesn’t mean they are a legitimate company. What happens if you have a complaint? How do you make a return? Can you get your money back if you aren’t satisfied? What warranty and guarantees come with your purchase?
Will the company you purchase from stand behind their product for the next few years? Can you connect with them no matter what question you have?
That “good deal” can quickly fade away when you start realizing all the extra costs.
Delivery
When you order furniture from a furniture store, your furniture will be delivered to your home, set up in your desired location, and be in perfect condition, guaranteed.
Order online, and you’ll share in the responsibility. Be ready for delivery when they feel like delivering. Find a way to return it if it isn’t right. If you’ve ever found returning a small item to an online store inconvenient, wait until you try a large piece of furniture.
Sometimes shopping at a retail location has its benefits. If you’re in the market for a quality piece of furniture you’ll be happy with for years to come, consider your options carefully. Stop by Paul Schatz Home Furnishings to learn more today.
Lili has been with Paul Schatz Home Furnishings for well over 10 years. Lili has a great design talent for understanding the wants and needs of each client in creating their space. She also has a wonderful way about herself at making each and every one of her clients feel special. When Lili isn’t working on one of her many design projects, you can find her taking long walks or dining with good friends.
