In 2022, 268 million Americans, or 81% of the population, shopped online. Yet, a majority of consumers say they still prefer in-person shopping for a variety of reasons.
We get it; online shopping can be scary, especially when it comes to big-ticket pieces like furniture. Throw used items in there and many people will run away screaming. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
You might not like the idea of buying used furniture, but used doesn’t necessarily mean worn out. There are plenty of dealers out there offering high end used furniture.
In this guide, we’ll go over what you need to know to make an informed decision when buying used furniture online. Keep reading to learn more.
The Benefits of Buying Used Furniture
You might be hesitant to buy used furniture, but there are some great benefits to it. First, it’s much better for the environment. By buying something secondhand, you’re keeping it out of a landfill.
Second, if you buy high end used furniture, you’ll be getting a high quality piece. Vintage furniture was often made with sturdy materials and was built to last. You won’t have to worry about replacing it any time soon.
Lastly, by buying used high end furniture, you’ll be getting something unique. You won’t have the same things everyone else has in their homes. Also, many vintage furniture designs are no longer produced, making them rare and valuable.
How to Find High End Used Furniture Online
Buying furniture online can be tricky, but following a few simple steps can make the process easier. Here are some of our best tips for finding high end used furniture for sale online.
Define Your Style
Before you get started you need to have an idea of what you want. Are you interested in mid-century modern pieces or are you looking for traditional Duncan Phyfe-style furniture? Defining your style will guide your search and help you find something you love.
Set a Budget
High-end furniture, whether it’s used or new, can be pricey, so it’s important to determine how much you’re willing to spend. Many online furniture dealers will let you filter search results by price, so you can only view items within your budget. Remember to factor in delivery costs when setting your budget.
Do Your Research
Once you’ve figured out what style you’re going for and set a budget, it’s time to start your search. Try searching for certain styles or brand names. If you keep coming up with items you don’t like, try browsing design websites and social media to find better keywords for your search.
Don’t be discouraged if the research process takes a long time. Even the most seasoned high end used furniture buyers can’t always find what they want right away. Keep at it and you may be able to find a diamond in the rough.
One Piece at a Time
Buying high-end used furniture can be time-consuming, so it’s best to focus on one piece or one area of your home at a time. For example, start by looking for pieces for your entryway. This will narrow your search and help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
Act Fast
Once you find something you love, it’s important to act fast or risk losing out to other high end used furniture buyers. Vintage furniture dealers will likely only have one of each piece, so once it’s gone, it’s gone.
After doing a lot of research, you can be confident that the piece you want is the right one for you. This will help you act quickly, knowing you won’t have to worry about buyer’s remorse.
Things to Look For
Once you’ve found some pieces you’re interested in, there are a few things you should look for before buying.
Lots of Photos
When buying furniture online, you have to rely on photos to get a sense of what the product looks like. Make sure there are plenty of photos taken from all angles. If there are any doors or drawers, there should be photos with these parts open.
High Quality Materials
Look for pieces made from high quality materials such as solid wood, glass, or stone. This will give you peace of mind that the furniture is durable and should last for a long time.
Dimensions
Dimensions are so important when buying used high end furniture online because it’s the only way to know whether a piece will fit in your home. Once you have something picked out, measure the space where it will go to make sure it fits well. You should also measure any doorways and hallways to make sure you can get the piece into your home.
Delivery Options
Review the online furniture dealer’s delivery policy and know what your options are before making a purchase. How long does delivery typically take? Do they offer inside delivery or is it curbside only?
If you still have questions after reviewing their policies, don’t be afraid to reach out to the dealer.
Things to Avoid
Buying furniture online is a different experience than buying in person. Here are a few red flags to watch out for when buying online.
Few Photos
Watch out for listings with few or no photos. It’s important to get a complete view of what you’re looking to buy. Also, missing photos could be a sign that the piece has been damaged.
Upholstery
Some people consider upholstery a red flag because it can break down over time, it can absorb smells, and it can even have bedbugs. This doesn’t mean you absolutely shouldn’t buy used furniture with upholstery but be wary of potential issues. That said, if you have concerns, reupholstery is always an option.
Product Recalls
For the most part, you shouldn’t have to worry about product recalls for high end used furniture. If you have concerns, you can look up the piece you’re considering in the Consumer Product Safety Commission database.
Shop Our High End Used Furniture Today
Buying high-end used furniture has its risks, but as you can see, there’s no reason to be afraid of it. As long as you do your research and know what to look for a what to avoid, you should have a great experience buying used furniture online.
Have you overcome your fears? If so, we have a great selection of high-end used furniture for sale, just waiting for you. Shop our collection today!