Hi Everyone,
I have been looking around to buy,
1. A lounge - for a small living room
2. 9 Piece dining set
3. 6 seater outdoor setting
Ebay/ few other online sites have really cheap options. Any good experience / recommendations on a good online seller?
Thanks in advance..
I will never buy eBay (new) or cheap shops that advertise on there ever again.
I have bought awesome stuff secondhand on gumtree, talking $3000+ pieces that people have taken a lot of care of, and now I own them and they are fantastic quality and condition.
I bought a desk from Milan Direct and it was exactly what I wanted. I was happy.
Be aware though that they send 1 delivery person and it was an enormous box. They ask that someone be home to accept delivery (read: help lift). It was just my mum at the time and there was no way she was helping lift - he kind of dragged the box across the grass up to the side of the house. It wasn't damage but it's not a great option if you've got a bad back.
Waiting for other people input as well, have been looking to few websites.
not looking at anything fancy, but so far the shipping cost kills the deal since I live in WA, and it seems these online shops operate from either VIC or NSW.
2nd hand furniture bought from the owner (not a 2nd hand shop etc) is normally extremely cheap. I dont know much about quality furniture but there seems to be a massive markup on new furniture and people selling 2nd hand are normally just happy to get something back. Look on Gumtree or eBay for something local you could go around and inspect before buying. If you like it then haggle for a better price, no matter what story you get still haggle! Also have a look on Facebook as there are normally a range of 'Buy/Swap/Sell' groups in most areas. I have seen people selling furniture on my local FB groups. Even consider posting up an Ad on Gumtree or FB listing what it is you are looking to buy, you never know somebody out there might have exactly what you are after and they've been meaning to move it on for ages but never quite get around to selling!!!!
I think buying cheap furniture online is a false economy. It is really made down to a price and in my experience makes Kmart furniture look good (yes, it is dreadful).
There are some ways to use the internet to get good furniture deals.
1) by far the cheapest way to get quality furniture cheap is to find people moving overseas and selling their whole home. You will know they aren't getting rid of an item because it is a problem. The stuff is not usually worn out. And the person will likely do you a good deal as they need it gone ASAP, especially if you might want a few items. It is really a great way of getting top quality stuff at well below half purchase price. Try Gumtree/ebay(see other auctions from the seller)/tradingpost/local newspaper
2) use the internet to cut out the middle man. We found a sofa manufacturer in an industrial lot in western Sydney. They gave us a custom quote for a sofabed that was $1500 cheaper than the shops. I have done the same for book shelves, built in wardrobes etc. where the item was best custom made.
3) go for vintage/antique. Even good quality furniture is poorly made these days compared with 60-70 years ago. There are lovely oak tables etc. available on ebay etc. for less than the cost of a new equivalent, and you will hand these down to your kids they are so solid. This depends on your decorating style, but if you are searching for cut price internet furniture you might be flexible!