There is nothing wrong in buying furniture through online or newspaper classifieds. It is a good way of saving money on furniture. Many homeowners find it hard to dole out money for new furniture just after shifting to a new house. Often buyers get used furniture in mint condition. Some homeowners sell their furniture when they migrate to another place and sometimes the kids sell the furniture they receive from their parents as property.
You may get some antique and unique furniture and decorative artifacts from the classified advertisements. There are both pros and cons of buying furniture from online or newspaper classifieds. The pro may be reduced price and the con is lack of warranty and cheap quality. As there is no scarcity of unscrupulous people in this world, you should be cautious while buying furniture from classifieds.
Do not overlook the history:
You have to investigate the real source of the furniture and the reason why the original owners are selling them. These are some very important points that you must discuss in the initial stages. Talk with the sellers and question them about the materials, the original cost, and the place from where they had procured the furniture and if the furniture requires any repair. The system of buying furniture through online classifieds relies on the honesty of the sellers and the buyers. If the involved parties fail to maintain basic norms of honesty then problems can ensue.
Do not pay without proof:
You should ask to see the original documents of the furniture and warranty cards. You need not pay the seller without seeing some document of proof that the furniture really belongs to them. If you have agreed to buy damaged furniture then check them before buying. Evaluate their condition and make sure that the damage is repairable or else your money will be wasted. Seeing the pictures is not enough. You should meet the seller in person and check the furniture in person.
Avoid furniture that stinks:
Do not buy furniture that bears the smell or stink of previous owners. People who smoke heavily or have pets have smelly furniture. Most second hand furniture sold through classifieds smell like their previous owners. If you find the stink difficult to co-exist with then skip the deal even if it is too good to be true otherwise. Also, beware of disputed furniture. Sometimes dishonest people sell furniture that does not belong to them. Do not purchase furniture without checking proof of ownership.
Do the haggling before meeting:
You should always try to negotiate the prices before meeting the seller. If the seller seems too rigid to offer a moderate discount asked by you then meeting him or her is futile. Also, discuss the amount that you will have to pay in advance for getting the furniture.
Go prepared:
It is advisable that you do not meet the furniture seller alone. Take a family member or friend with you. Discuss about the meeting place with the seller. If the items you are buying are small then there is no need to meet the seller at his or her house. Ask them to come to a convenient spot. Hire a truck for picking heavier objects.
Be safe for avoiding being sorry:
The seller might ask you to meet at some remote place or an area that is not popular. Do not compromise your safety for a great deal. Take someone with you and keep your loved ones informed about your location. Steer clear of danger at all times and if you find the behavior of the seller to be suspicious leave the place immediately.
Summary:
Many homeowners purchase furniture through classified ads because it helps them save money. Be cautious and ask for legal documents before buying the products.
