So what are the advantages and disadvantages of shopping online?
Online retailers realize that in order to make you spend substantial amount of money on a product you haven’t try, they have to make it easy and convenient to overcome your fear. You will find more detailed product information, comparison tools and mattress fitting guides. High volume online stores will also provide a phone number or online chat option to get you in contact with a live person if you need any help. There are numerous sites to check for reviews on products and on online stores as well.
From a cost perspective retailers online offer substantially lower prices due to the fact that they don’t have to pay for too much overhead. Typically, there is no negotiating so you don’t have to decide on impulse. Most importantly, online retailers usually provide free delivery option and better return policy, often time with full money back guarantee.
Be aware of the brands and retailers that you haven’t heard about and find out how long they have been in business and their reputation. Most of the time if the prices are too good to be true, they probably are. With anonymity of internet anybody can open up an online store and sell mattresses claiming they are the best. There is no value in having 10 or 20-year warranty if company will disappear in 5 years.
As we mentioned above, online stores offer great return policy, but generally you are responsible for packing and shipping costs. It certainly is not as easy as it sounds. When you do an exchange or return with a brick-and-mortar store, they will send a truck to pick up your mattress. When dealing with an online store, you are on your own, which means wrapping or boxing the mattress and foundation so it doesn’t get damaged (you may not receive full refund if the product is damaged during return shipping) and arranging a pick up with a delivery service (FedEx, UPS).
Brick-and-mortar mattress retailers will usually take an old mattress away when they deliver a new one. Some online stores provide this service for additional fee, but most don’t offer it. You will have to figure out a way to dispose your old, heavy mattress.
Often the reason behind online mattress shopping is to save money and avoid the high-pressure environment in showroom. Some sales people in mattress industry are intense; using different techniques to sell you the product they make more money of, haggle with you about price or force you unnecessary accessories. However, a knowledgeable and experienced sales person could provide you with personalized service and invaluable help with his industry and product insight.
Hopefully these tips will fill the void and provide you with relevant information to decide where you are going to buy your next mattress.
Learn more about buying mattress online here