Why such a drastic difference in price??!

12 years ago

OK I'm looking for some help and advice. I was in the mall today browsing a few stores for furnishings for my first home. I went to crate and barrel, restoration hardware, and the pottery barn. I wanted to see some of the things I've been oogling over on the computer in person and to get some inspiration. My new home is pretty tight i think 1200Sq feet on the 1st and 2nd floor and 600sq in the partially finished basement. So we are shopping for furniture to have MAXIMUM functionality, and at most times multiple functionality, to make sure no square feet are wasted. Like the ottoman we are searching for that has great looks, comfortable foot support, and storage. haha haven't found it yet.(suggestions??)
Well we really fell in love with this expandable bar cabinet that met so many of our criterias its good looking,compact,can expand for a nice bar but I see a buffet table/appetizer table, that also holds the good silver and plates. Definitely fell in love with it then looked at the price WOW sticker shock. 1500$
Long story short there are other ones that look identical on the internet at MUCH lower price. I definitely prefer the crate and barrel design but looking for explanations as to why such a huge price difference. Am i really getting ripped of going with the more expensive one?

the expensive one is this
http://www.crateandbarrel.com/maxine-bar-cabinet/s554189

cheap one is this
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003ZLBFOQ/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3K90JHFOGRITA

over a thousand dollar difference and the inside to me looks IDENTICAL. Im so confused on this one. Any help or advice is appreciated!

Featured Answer

PRO

ReSquare Architecture + Construction

12 years ago

last modified: 12 years ago

There is no comparison. That Crate & Barrel piece is solid wood with walnut veneer, in a diamond pattern, no less, dovetailed solid wood construction, brass hardware. The Amazon piece is painted hardwood, raised panel, probably glued & screw construction, nickel hardware and not detailed very finely. The C&B may be overpriced for what it is, but is as described a finer quality piece of furniture.

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Comments (7)

PRO
Creative Innovations & Designs Inc
12 years ago
Agree with ReSquare. It comes down to quality of materials and time spent to make it vs machine process with minimal human hands on touch apart from assembly. Where it is made will also affect the cost. If you want a piece that would stand the test of time, Crate and Barrel is the better choice. If you think your tastes may change in 5 years, which they often do, buy the cheap one and save the balance to buy more accessories :)
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Lainey Stern
12 years ago
Or go to estate sales or consignment shops and see what you find I have seen great high quality pieces for amazing prices
PRO
Pataya Flooring & Stone Supply, LLC
12 years ago
Find a small cabinet builder in your area. The quality will be superior to these products illustrated here. Support the small business rather than these over priced box stores.
Darzy
12 years ago
You can refinish great craigslist vintage finds of good quality but just needs some tlc. Old consoles that used to be stereo cabinets make great bar counter and storage.
PRO
Select Hardwood Floor Co.
12 years ago
As I suggest to many of our customers...
The individual has to make a choice of what they're shopping for... product or price.
The only thing they typically have in common is the "P"...
Especially when considering the "imported junk-in-the-box" mass production items.
Granted... they're not all bad, but the odds are not too favorable.

We run into MANY instances where the potential client has been looking at "photos" of items online... and the harsh reality that there is usually no way to determine the shortcomings of the "cheap" stuff until it's been bought & paid for.
again... "Caveat emptor"...
Ric Sing
9 years ago
Sounds like some low-end chinese furniture mfg is using posting dummy questions to promote their items on Amazon. The cabinet you are trying to promote is based on MDF (cardboard) that dissolves when wet. The doors or your cabinet are hinged into MDF which is not sufficient to properly support them. The Crate and Barrel item uses real wood and has strong hinges. Anyone wondering should look at the Amazon reviews to see the cheap cabinet is just crap that will waste a lot of your time assembling it. The Crate and Barrel cabinet is actually a great deal for the quality. If you want to save money, work it with Crate and Barrel to save 25% between their move-in coupon and a new credit card account.