Thoughts on buying floor sample furniture

[DebBrown]

We visited our favorite leather store where we had bought a recliner a year ago. We had planned to buy a new sofa to match. Unfortunately, the store is going out of business and will be closed by next weekend.

They are selling all the floor samples. Although it wasn't what we orginally had in mind, we found a sofa/chair/ottoman group that would be great in our house. This set has been on display since the beginning of the year and looks pretty good - only a couple of dings in the leather. (We have two dogs so there is no hope that it would stay pristine.)

So... the big question is what pricing makes sense. I don't know what the original retail price might have been but likely between $3000 and $4000. In my mind buying this is no different than buying used furniture off of Craigslist. The store will be gone so there is no one to stand behind the furniture or any recourse if something goes wrong.

What discount is usually given to floor samples? What discount would you expect for a store going out of business? 50%? More?

Deb

 

[Rose Pink]

I don't know, Deb, but if it is a good price it won't be there for long. Things get snatched up quickly in going out of business sales. Would you have purchased it or something similar anyway? How much would you have spent if you were planning on buying it? I don't think I'd worry too much about how big a discount it is. If the store usually sells good quality furniture and this is from a good manufacturer and you like it and it is within your original price range, go for it. OTOH, listen to your gut. If it doesn't feel right, don't do it.

 

[DebBrown]

Rose, we were planning on buying a sofa, not the 3-piece set of sofa/chair/ottoman. Since this is a different color, it would be a change in our decorating scheme and may cost us more $ in the long run. OTOH, it might be time for a change!

I guess I'm thinking he might come down in price if I counter offer. What's he going to do with his floor samples once the store closes next weekend?

Deb

 

[Rose Pink]

If it's still there, he may discount it even more. If you really, really want it, buy it now. If you aren't sure, wait. Then if it is still there and at a lower price you may feel more comfortble buying it.

 

[Twinkstarr]

From watching Linens and Things, Circuit City and an Office Depot shut around us, the markdowns are usually not that great when the "going out of business sale" starts.

It took about 3-4 weeks of looking at Office Depot before a desk chair we wanted got to the price I wanted to pay. Same with the Foodsaver from L&T.


We bought a floor sample(recliner for Tall guys) from our local furniture shop. It was in excellent condition and still looks good 7yrs later.

 

[Beverley]

Not sure what would likely happen in this case. However, I have often found a 50 % discount or more in a clearance center of furniture stores.

There was a time when Levitz was in business that I found a really nice leather sofa in their clearance center that was originally priced at $1600 and was priced at $800. I happen to find a small tear in the back that would not show if against the wall and this brought the price to $200! This was 12 years ago so naturally the prices will seem low. The sofa is still in use in our family room today. Not bad for $200 bucks. Maybe you will get 50% off. Good Luck.

Beverley

 

[djs]

The price will come down, but the more it comes down, the quicker someone else will pick it up. Most going out of business sales start by marking down items from the MSRP and not the price it would otherwise have sold for. Something else to keep in mind is that often times liquidation sales (like with Circuit City) are done by a completely different company....that company buys the merchandise and then turns around and tries to get the best price it can for it.

 

[falmouth3]

I used to work with a guy who went to a "last weekend sale" at a going-out-of-business furniture store. He made a ridiculously low offer on a piece of furniture and he got it for what he offered. Start low and go up to what you're willing to pay and no more.

Sue

 

[jlr10]

Not sure if this helps or not: My first job was with a high quality furniture store. (no compressed wood, dove tailed drawers, major manufactureres, etc.) Their standard mark up was 300% of their cost. They felt they were pretty much in line with the other furniture stores in the area. They typically sold their floor samples for 70-80% of their store price. They are still in business 30 years later so not too sure what they would sell it for if they were going out of business.

Offer 50% and see what they say. What have you got to lose?

 

[applegirl]

You say that the store is going out of business by next weekend so the prices should be pretty low by now. If not ask to speak to someone who can make a decision on lowering the price and don't pay more than what you think is fair or what you would have spent anyway.

As for the change in color scheme, like you said, maybe it's time for a change anyway! I like that attitude. This may just be the push you needed to change things up a bit.

Janna

 

[DebBrown]

Thanks everyone! It's a small store. Only the owner works there. I imagine he can sell for whatever price he wants to. Unfortunately, I have no way to judge what his costs are and no basis for comparison. I can't find anyone via internet who is selling this exact same line.

At this point, I'm not even sure if I can take delivery by next weekend. My hardwood floor project is still in process. If I can work it out, I'll call tomorrow or Wednesday and offer a lower price. If it doesn't work out, I'm OK with that.

Deb

 

[falmouth3]

If I can work it out, I'll call tomorrow or Wednesday and offer a lower price. If it doesn't work out, I'm OK with that.

That's the way to be able to snag a bargain. Never fall in love with the merchandise before you own it.

Sue