Buying new furniture can get expensive. Even the most basic items can cost anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars. And, when it comes to buying a couch or sofa, you’re talking about a piece of furniture that will be a gathering place in your home for years to come.
Our Addition Financial members often approach us with questions about major expenses such as furniture. One of the questions we get asked a lot is:
“What’s the best time to buy a couch?”
That’s an important question to ask because it can make a difference in how you budget between now and the time you buy a sofa. The good news is, there is a best time to buy a sofa. Here’s what you need to know.
It may surprise you to know that the furniture business has seasons. Like any other product, there are times when new furniture (including new sofas) are in high demand. At those times, the prices are likely to be high.
The key, then, is to focus on the times of year when one of two things is true:
That second option is one that makes the biggest difference in prices. When retailers have a lot of stock – and new stock coming in – they’ll likely be slashing prices and offering deals to anyone who’s looking to buy.
In general, you’ll get better prices in the off-seasons. For example, patio furniture is less expensive in the winter and more expensive in the warm summer months. When you’re in the market for new furniture, you should take some time to understand the market and shop when you’re likely to get the best price.
You’re in the market for a new sofa – so when should you hit the stores? The key piece of information you need is this:
“Furniture manufacturers release new designs for interior furniture at two times of year, in February and in August.”
In the time leading up to the release of new designs, furniture retailers are often eager to sell last season’s inventory to make room for new designs that are coming in. They’re likely to run sales and offer better financing options at these times.
If you plan your sofa shopping to coincide with the time that stores are running their biggest promotions, you’ll be more likely to find a sofa that fits your budget.
Even at times of year when furniture stores are running sales and offering discounts, there are things you can do to lower the price and get a good deal. Here are some pointers to help you out.
These tips can help you get a great price on a new couch or sofa. If shopping in January or July doesn’t fit in with your schedule, keep in mind that holiday weekends are a good time to shop. You can also ask local furniture retailers if they ever have warehouse sales. You may be able to get overstocked models at deeply discounted prices.
Buying a new sofa can be expensive, but if you follow our tips about the best time to buy a sofa, you’re likely to find a bargain – and buy a couch that you and your family will love!
Need help buying new furniture? Click here to learn about Addition Financial’s competitive credit cards.