You probably happened upon our blog as a byproduct of perusing the plethora of dining room furniture available online. On previous online surfing trips you will have quickly realized that the lack of overhead for online-only businesses usually results in substantial savings over the cost of items sold in traditional brick-and-mortar stores. Such is especially true with kitchen furniture because of the amount of floor space it requires for display.

Why buy furniture online?

• Cost savings
• Convenience
• Elimination of sales tax if you are purchasing from a retailer based in another state
• Wider selection of merchandise
• Absence of high-pressure in-store sales tactics

Dining room furniture is a large investment, so you’ll want to make sure you’re making educated shopping decisions while protecting your personal information. Here’s where to start:

Authenticity of the Retailer

First things first—check out the seller. Look for and confirm a contact address and phone number to ensure that you could reach the retailer if something were to go wrong. Next, Google them. What do other shoppers say about the customer service and quality of the products? As a final assurance, the seller’s website should have a seal from the Better Business Bureau or a similarly reputable organization. Click on the seal to make sure it’s valid.

The Zoom Inspection

Dig deep into the product descriptions that accompany pictures to get a clear idea of what you’re buying. Use the zoom function on high-resolution photos to virtually inspect the quality of the wood used, from the grade and type of wood to the grain. Check into the maintenance details to see how much work it will take to keep your wood furniture looking new. Don’t hesitate to contact customer service while you shop and ask them any questions that arise.

Shipping & Returns

Before you complete your order, ask a few key questions. What is the total cost of delivery? Approximately how long it will take the furniture to arrive? Can you track your order online? Does it come fully assembled (if the answer is yes, make sure that it can fit through your doorways)? What are the cancellation or return policies? What warranties or guarantees are in place?

Protect Yourself

Be wary of paying by check; credit card companies offer you a degree of protection if there is a dispute over costs. Before you release sensitive information online, make sure your computer is protected with the latest security updates, anti-virus software, and the most updated version of your Web browser. Before paying, glance at the address box. There should be an https:// as well as the “lock” symbol (in the address bar or on the bottom right corner of the page). Do not reveal any personal information via email.