Tip of the Week / How to Guide
Looking to avoid paying big prices at a big-name furniture store? Looking to save a little money? You may want to try looking at a consignment furniture store for unique and sometimes less expensive furniture.
Consignment shops are a terrific option for people who want uncommon furniture at fantastic prices. They usually offer a wide variety of high-class merchandise — antiques, designer pieces, vintage furniture and accessories — made of quality materials.
When you are looking to find a good consignment furniture store, here are some things to consider:
LOCATION
A good store will be clean, well-organized and convenient. A store’s condition is a reflection of its management. You can tell a lot simply by walking around. The overall atmosphere should be neat, fresh and stylish. In addition, the style of the merchandise should match your tastes.
It’s fun to enter a consignment store because each shop is so different. Too often, chain furniture stores are predictable in their layout and appearance. Those big box stores typically have imported, particle-board furnishings that are flimsy and fragile. Plus, you have to spend a good amount of time trying to figure out how to put the furniture together. Rarely do they come already assembled anymore.
The best consignment stores will have antiques and whimsical pieces, customized to fit the people and interests in your community. These markets will have lots of solid furniture that’s built to last a long time.
EXPERTISE
Another sign that you are dealing with a reputable consignment store is how the managers and employees treat their merchandise. The staff will know all about the furniture. They can tell you about the manufacturer and other details about each piece.
Not only do these people love furniture, but they also enjoy helping customers find the perfect piece for their home. They know all about their inventory, and are happy to help you.
The sales staff should act more like guides than traditional salespeople. They should be able to tell you what makes one chair better than another, for example. They can also offer polite suggestions to help you make smart decorating decisions. If they don’t have a piece available, the best consignment store will be able to call you when new items come in that might meet your specifications.
SELECTION
The selection in the consignment store should match your style and vary to give you more options. Some shops have such a wide variety of furniture that you will undoubtedly find something that fits your needs. Most, however, gravitate toward one time period or style. For example, one store might have knotty-pine country designs while another might have older pieces that would look good in Victorian homes.
But that’s what makes shopping at consignment furniture stores so fun. You never know what you’ll find. Shopping becomes an adventure, especially with new pieces arriving all the time. Finding the right sore will make you a lucky and happy shopper.
