Many consumers are now bypassing local retailers and are instead making major furniture purchases online.  While there are obvious advantages and disadvantages to both, we’ve created a list of five reasons why buying furniture online is becoming more popular.

1.  Buying furniture online is easy.  Many online stores provide beautiful furniture that can be ordered easily and delivered quickly.  Forget about having to deal with an annoying sales person who is only interested in making commission; you won’t find him on the Internet.  And, when you’re online…you don’t have to stand “in line”.  Today’s online furniture stores have high-tech inventory viewing options that will make it feel like you’re really at the store, without all the hassles.  That one perfect piece of furniture you’re missing may be just a few clicks away!

2.  Ordering furniture online is safe.  While it always pays to read the fine print, most online furniture retailers offer ways to make your purchase as risk free as buying from a local store.  In fact, the best online furniture stores will offer you a full refund if you aren’t 100% satisfied with your merchandise.  There are also many safeguards built into the shipping process, so make sure you inspect all packages when they arrive.  If you don’t know the shipper’s policies, make sure you ask the driver before he/she leaves.

3.  Online furniture stores have greater selection and more options.  While it’s true that some online stores specialize in certain types of home furnishings, it’s fairly easy to find almost any imaginable piece of furniture through search engines such as Google, Yahoo, MSN, etc.  In addition, since most online furniture stores don’t have as many “warehouse space” and “in-stock inventory” concerns, they are often able to offer a greater selection and more options than what you might find at a local retailer.     

4.  Furniture purchased online can be delivered quickly.  Most online furniture stores can have your purchase delivered in 3-5 business days, or even faster if you’re willing to pay a little extra.  When you buy from a local furniture store, you can expect a similar timetable, although it may take even longer if the exact item you’re buying isn’t in stock.  Don’t forget about the time it takes you to get to and from the store, the added charge for delivery, and the inconvenience of shopping only when the store is open.

5.  Furniture purchased online is often less expensive.  Many online furniture stores now work directly with some of the largest furniture manufacturers in the world, providing you with a lower price than what you might have paid the “middle man”.  As you know, some furniture can be heavy, so you need to watch the shipping charges when figuring out your final cost.  If you don’t need the item right away, you’ll typically find that even with the added shipping and handling, the other advantages of buying online will save you money and time.