Furniture shopping is one of those things that we all have a love/hate relationship with. It’s enjoyable to scroll through pages of beautiful furniture online and image it being in your house. However, the fun stops when you actually go to the furniture store or see the furniture for the first time in person and you hate it and have to start all over. On top of all that stress, we also know that this is not a cheap project. Thankfully there are sneaky ways to find bargains so you don’t have to spend top dollar on a new coach or dining table. 

1.Call Furniture Stores Ahead

If you spend time comparing prices and calling ahead to stores to ask for the best price you are bound to run into a deal. When Checkbook sent secret shoppers to furniture stores, it found that the same credenza ranged from $1,500 to $2,800 depending on the store. You can go store-to-store in pursuit of the best price but it would be easier to call ahead.

2. Walk a Little Farther in Furniture Stores

If you walk to the back of the store, you will find that the store keeps all of the floor models, scratched tables, and sofas with little imperfections. This is a great opportunity to get great deals on furniture that has minor damage.

3. Cash in on Register Discounts

Even if the piece of furniture is already on sale, you might be able to knock down the price even more at the cash register. Some stores display their bottom-line prices on the register computer, so cashiers know how low they can go. If you ask for the last, best price, the cashier might be able to give it to you.

4. Buy Returned Furniture

When furniture doesn’t find it’s forever home, you can turn another buyer’s castoff into a treasure. When shopping in stores, ask salespeople if any returns are available at discount.

5. Brush Up on Your Bargaining Skills

You know you can negotiate the price of a house or car, but you can also bargain for furniture. We know bargaining can be stressful, but if you can master it you can save some major dollars. S 2013 Consumer Report Survey found that 87% of shoppers who haggled were rewarded a least once. Successful furniture haggles saved $300 on average.

Some store salespeople and manager, have the discretion to reduce prices even below the stated discount. They can dig up a coupon you didn’t bring. They can discount or remove delivery charges, especially if you buy more than one item. However, you have to ask!

6. Re-evaluate the Extended Warranty

For higher-priced items, extended warranties can be a good idea. These are warranties that cover repairs that aren’t covered by the manufacturer’s warranty or will extend coverage after the manufacturer’s warranty expires.

If you aren’t careful, they can also be a black hole for your wallet. Consumer experts say extended warranties often cost more than they are worth. In other words, you will spend less on the potential repair than you will for the warranty in the first place.

7. Use Coupons

Many post offices offer a moving kit loaded with coupons when you fill out a change -of-address form. Typically some of those coupons will  be for deals and discounts at furniture and home improvement stores. If you aren’t moving you can always ask for one of these moving kits. Some Realtors use coupons too as a marketing perk.

8. Senior Discount

Some furniture-selling departments stores specifically offer the over-55 crowd discounts. For example, Bon-Ton, which has stores in 23 states, runs a Senior Day once a month in many locations. Seniors get 10%-20% discount depending on how they pay. Be sure to call the store before showing up and demanding a discount.

9. Shop Estate Sales

Many people save big bucks by not shopping at furniture stores and instead hit up a local estate sale. Most gently used furniture is priced at 30%-50% below what you would pay new. To make the most out of an estate sale you have to arrive early, know what you are looking for, and select furniture that was built to last.

10. Recycle

The last thing stores want is for you to upcycle your existing household items. You can sand down and paint an old door and use it for a table or desk. Remove drawers from an old dresser, and make it into a new bookcase. The trick is to look at tired items with fresh eye to put money back into your pocket.