So you've decided it's time to bid adios to your old sofa. Perhaps it has become a bit of an eyesore or maybe it has become a pain in the butt –quite literally.
Whatever your reason for investing in a new piece of living room furniture, you're eager and excited to hit the stores. And really, who can blame you? Nowadays, there are so many models of couches out on the market –at a variety of price points. The hardest decision you'll make is narrowing down your choices and picking a favourite.
However, there are also various ways to slip up and come home with a purchase that you'll regret. Rather than throw your hard-earned money down the drain, here are 5 ways 'not' to shop for a couch.
Shop Under the Influence
While there's nothing wrong with indulging in a bottle glass of wine, it can become an issue if you decided to go furniture shopping. Chances are every model on the sales floor will look like 'the one' when you're wearing rose-coloured glasses. While a little liquid lunch is sure to make the experience more fun, you also run a big risk of waking up the next day with a wee case of the 'wine flu' and a receipt for a purchase you may never have made if you were sober.Instead, save the celebratory drink for when you finally bring that beautiful new couch across your threshold. Until then, keep it corked!
The Post Break-Up Shop
The love of your life, or
someone you kind of liked, has decided to call it quits in your relationship.
Rather than dive for a carton of Haagen Daz, you're the type of person who
takes comfort in a little retail therapy. While you'll be saving calories, your
spending habit can weigh heavily on your savings –especially if in the market for a new couch. If you lost your old
couch in the breakup and are wanting a replacement –fast, make sure you are shopping for the one and not a rebound sofa.
After all, you don't want to end up with another dud you'll have to dump, now
do you?
The Desperate Shop
You've decided you want a new couch and you want it yesterday. You don't have a specific make or model in mind; you just know that you're sick and tired of the current number that's taking up space in your living room. Now just hold on there partner. The last thing you want to do is make a purchase you'll live to regret. Take your time to make sure you have a good idea of what you want, what you don't want and what you're willing to live with.
The Pressured Shop
You know that salesperson who doesn't take no for an answer? While they end up with a pretty big chunk of commission change, you leave with a purchase you aren't exactly happy with. Whether it's just not what you were looking for or is completely out of your budget ballpark, you're left feeling with that uneasy knot in the pit of yours stomach.When it comes to buying a new couch, it's vital that you don't become a 'Polly Pushover.' Instead, walk into that store like you're the boss –do not get swayed into someone else's idea of the perfect couch for you. If you have a list of qualities you're looking for, don't be afraid to bring it with you. You're likelier to stick to your preference if you have a list there to remind you of what it is you're looking for.
The Lazy Shop
You're a busy bee who just doesn't have time to compare prices, search through catalogues for the latest trends or spend an afternoon testing the comfort factor of each couch. Okay, okay –fair enough. We get it, you're crunched for time. However, we highly advice you don't just pick the first great couch you come into contact with –well, unless of course it truly is love at first site. Instead, try setting some time aside in your jam-packed calendar to check out just two of your favourite furniture stores.After all the hard work you're always doing, don't you think you deserve a comfortable and visually appealing sofa to sink into after a long day? We think so!
And there you have –steer clear of these 5 types of shopping styles to avoid ending up with a big case of retail regret. Now get out there and shop smart. Your perfect couch is out there waiting for you.