Buying a sectional sofa, need advice please.

20 years ago

Hello!

My husband and I are in the market for our first "nice" "quality" sectional sofa and I need some advice.

1. Can you negotiate on price with furniture dealers? The cost of the furniture seems high in most cases. Any negotiating tips? What's the mark-up in this industry?

2. What are some good manufacturers and furniture stores out there? We've been looking at Bassett (their Easton sectional), but we're unsure as to that manufacturer's reputation and quality.

3. The sectional we are looking at does not have the "cording" (not sure of the correct term here) around the pillow cushions. So, it is just sewn. We're wondering how that construction will hold up over time. This sofa will have to survive daily family usage for many years to come. Should we get a sectional with cording on the cushions to provide some shape definition to the cushions?

4. Any tips on fabric selection and construction? I've been reading some bad things about microfiber attracting lint and hair.

5. Any additional advice or references to other information the web would be most appreciated.

Thanks!

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Comments (4)

spolina
20 years ago
most of the advises here depend on how much u are willing to spend for the sectional.

Check out Lee Industries makes for Crate & Barel and Arhaus stores

Other brands u might want to check out for good fabric sectionals will be Baker's Milling Road Collection, Hancock And Moore, Bernhardt, Lexington Brands, Swaiminc.com, and many many more.

I recently bought a lazy looking sectional made by Roche Bobois from their Les Provinciales Collection. Very pleasant looking models but are little expensive.
realdreamer
20 years ago
If you look at the manufactures suggested by spolina (Baker's Milling Road Collection, Hancock And Moore, Bernhardt, Lexington Brands, Swaim) then you can definitely buy below MSRP. Check Boyles in NC and Lexington Furniture Company in Lexington, KY. I have never gotten a better price locally. The best price has always come from these two stores. You just need to find what you want by looking in your local store, then contact Boyles and Lexington for a quote. I have purchased a Kindel dining room set; Hancock & Moore sofa; chair, & ottoman; Hickory Chair sofa, chair & ottoman; EJ Victor chair; Hekman table; Baker bed; Hickory Chair nightstands; Century sofa; Stickley desk; Wildwood lamps; and a Bernhardt bed in the past 5 years. Only the Stickley desk was cheaper locally as I got it on a double sale.

The price difference depends on the brand. Manufactures by law cannot dictate the 3rd party retailer's selling price. The way they get around the law is to make it clear that they will not supply a store that sells below a certain minimum. They claim doing so ensures the "value" of the product brand. One brand my tolerate a minimum of 25% below MSRP; another will tolerate 30% below MSRP.

Stores like Bassett and Ethan Allen hold the line on their price. If they have a sale, you get the sale price. Otherwise, the price is the price. Bassett will probably not give you the quality and look you are after.
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mogator88
20 years ago
1) You can always ask for a better price.
For furniture stores I think the average profit margin after all expenses is around 3%. Probably the only retail business with higher overhead is a car dealer.
2) Most made-to-order names are reputable and make quality products. There are just too many to name. To check out a dealer, just ask around.
3) Cording sticks out, so it's just one more thing to show wear. Get it if you like it, otherwise don't worry about it.
4) We've not gotten complaints about microfiber. If a fabric is attracting lint or hair, well, think about it. Its more a reflection of how that person keeps his/her home. That stuff shouldn't be floating around anyways.
5) Too much web isn't a good thing. Keep an open mind. Go out and try some out.

Good Luck!
matt-holmes
15 years ago
Krcline, you should be able to negotiate prices with a furniture dealer. You might be able to get a lower price if you combine multiple items in the same order. If you shop online, you can also search for coupon codes that will help you save a little bit of money.

The 'Easton' sectional by Bassett looks like the 349 series sectional by Stanton International. With the 349 series, you can choose the fabric you want. Quality and comfort are good. This might be a good choice if you're worried about fabric since you can pick which one you want.

Here is a link that might be useful: sectional sofa