It is not clear if you are talking about buying sight unseen period, or if you mean that you cannot see the product in the fabric of your choice.

That said, it is not uncommon to buy a piece of furniture without seeing the actual piece. However, buying sight unseen is only recommed under the following: 1) you are very, very, and I mean very, familiar with the company and their quality; 2) casegoods.

Sofas, chairs, and mattresses are first and foremost about comfort. And the only way to judge the comfort of a sofa is by sitting on it. Now, if the store has the actual display for you to sit on and inspect, but the fabric is different from the one that you want, then you have to simply use your imagination. I would say the vast majority of us select a fabric different from the display--and then we hope it turns out looking smashingly beautiful.

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Retailers that claims to be a super discounter are not the best type of company to do business with as they make up phoney prices, deliver a poor quality product, and provide little in the way of customer service once they get your money. I think you would do much better by taking your hard earn money to a reputable retailer. Stores like Restoration Hardware, Pottery Barn, Crate and Barrel all have good products at good prices. And I am sure there are good e-commerce sites that are out there. I just don't think that these companies fit the bill.