With today’s hustle-and-bustle lifestyle, it’s no surprise that online shopping continues to rise in popularity. Going online to buy home décor and furniture is simply more convenient, as it allows you to shop from the comforts of your own home. You're also able to browse multiple stores at the same time, meaning you don’t have to waste an entire afternoon driving from store to store.
While it’s certainly the preferable option, shopping online can lead to bad experiences if you don’t do your research first. Not all e-stores are created equally, so it's important to find the retailers that make customer service their top priority. To ensure the best experience possible, ask yourself these three questions before making a purchase. Getting good answers for each will help you narrow down which online retailers are putting their customers first.
1. What is the return policy?
Many customers are hesitant to try online furniture shopping at first, mainly because they’re afraid of being stuck with dressers or desks they don’t like. Good online retailers, however, offer a return policy that prevents this very situation. Before checking out, make sure you’ll be able to return the items you’ve selected if you find they don’t fit with your space—not just if they’re damaged.
2. Is there a trial period?
What’s even better than a good return policy? A trial period. Bringing a new piece of furniture into your home can require a big adjustment, and sometimes you just need a few weeks to get used to your room’s new look before deciding you love it. Some e-commerce sites let you spend time with a piece of furniture so you can be sure the piece suits your style and comfort preferences.
3. How much is shipping?
The convenience of shopping online comes with a price, and that price is called shipping. While there’s no way to get around the shipping fee, some online stores charge lower fees than others. You should also keep in mind that while some store’s shipping fees are higher, their products are less expensive and in the end they offer the best deal.
With the right questions in mind and a little research to help you along the way, you can ensure a positive experience every time you shop online.