Find out the store's policies in writing. Ask about returns and what happens if you cancel an order. Most stores won't let you return custom furniture.
Ask about your rights and recourses for furniture you've purchased if the store goes out of business. In recent years a lot of furniture stores (both nationally and locally owned) have permanently closed their doors.
When you order custom pieces, never pay the full amount up front. Fifty percent is enough.
Use a credit card instead of cash or check. It makes canceling a purchase or returning furniture easier.
Keep your sales receipt, any construction specifications or drawings and warranty information. These will be your allies if you have a problem.
ADVERTISEMENT
Care for the furniture as recommended. The warranty could be voided if you don't.
Benchmade: To achieve higher quality, one person oversees production of a furniture piece. In the case of a sofa, that's frame to fabric.
COM: Customer's Own Material. The acronym is used to indicate when a furniture piece is upholstered with fabric provided by the customer; may void warranty.
Microfiber: Fabric composed of ultrafine synthetic fibers that are tightly woven together. These fabrics are available in a range of textures from suede to chenille to tight-weave "linen."
Skirt: Fabric that falls from the bottom of a sofa to the floor, masking the legs.
Tight back or tight seat: Upholstered back or seat without a separate loose cushion. This is common with modern furniture but has a drawback: You can't rotate cushions for even wear.
If something goes wrong with your purchase, first try to resolve the problem with the store (or delivery company for delivery issues).
If problems remain, call:
ADVERTISEMENT
n Better Business Bureau. www.bbb.org
n Consumer Products Safety Commission, (800) 638-2772, to report an unsafe product.
