With the arrival of various festivals and industry events in the furniture sector, a first wave of promotional activities has already begun. It is reported that home stores and furniture brands are all striving to make a strong impression in the Year of the Horse, offering promotions such as “minimum discounts,†“buy one get one free,†“buy furniture and get appliances,†and “insured for six months.†These enticing deals have caught the attention of many consumers. While it's easy to be swept up by these promotions, how can shoppers stay calm and avoid falling into discount traps?
**Check the Brand, Be Cautious, Don’t Fall for the Cat-and-Mouse Game**
For those who prioritize quality, brand reputation is often seen as a guarantee. Whether you're buying a sofa or a mattress, choosing a well-known brand can offer peace of mind. However, this isn't always foolproof. Lao Wu, a veteran in the decoration materials business, shared that some unscrupulous sellers display high-quality items in their stores but replace them with substandard ones during delivery—especially in smaller markets. He advises consumers to inspect the product upon delivery to ensure it matches the sample they selected. When making a payment, always ask for a formal invoice and make sure the model number is clearly stated so that it’s easier to claim your rights if something goes wrong.
Industry experts also recommend purchasing from large home stores rather than small shops. Even if an issue arises, the mall’s financial strength and operational support can significantly ease the process of consumer protection.
**Big Gifts, But Is It Really Worth It?**
Gifts have become increasingly attractive in recent years. No longer just a bag of rice, now it's common to see branded home appliances given as gifts. But are these really beneficial to the consumer?
Not necessarily. Mr. Wang, a marketing professional in the home industry, pointed out that many consumers focus more on the gift than the product itself, sometimes even influencing their purchase decisions. Retailers know this well and use it to their advantage.
Some may say, “I actually got a great gift!†But according to insiders, the gift is often just a way to lure customers. A manager from a custom furniture brand explained that during a mall anniversary sale, customers who bought a 30,000 yuan product would receive a 32-inch LCD TV worth about 1,800 yuan. However, if the customer didn’t need the TV, the store could still make a 6% profit. In other words, the TV was just a tactic to attract buyers, and those who end up paying extra for it without real need might lose more.
**Related Reading:** American Furniture Discount Store The Dump Launches High-End Design Sample Sale Exhibition
**Online Shopping Isn’t Always Cheaper**
Many people believe online shopping offers better prices, but that’s not always the case. For example, a multi-layer solid wood product was priced at 179 yuan per square meter on a Tmall flagship store, but when checked at a physical store, the salesperson revealed that the 3·15 promotion had already been launched, with a price of just 159 yuan per square meter.
A regional manager from the brand said that physical stores remain the core channel for furniture brands, and their support for retail stores is significant. “For home products, online is not necessarily cheaper. It’s best to compare before making a purchase.†He also added that it's hard to judge the actual quality of products based on online images due to color differences, lighting, and angles.
**Beware of the Price Game**
Many consumers assume that special offers in supermarkets are genuine deals. However, some promotions are just tricks. For instance, a toilet that originally costs 3,146 yuan is advertised at 999 yuan, and a bathroom package priced at 9,329 yuan is listed at 2,999 yuan. But a bathroom dealer revealed that the pricing strategy is different from what it seems. In reality, the selling price of sanitary products is often much lower than the marked price even during regular times.
Consumers should not only look at the original price but also compare the actual selling price to understand the real discount. Additionally, when buying discounted items, check the product’s condition. Some items are sold at a discount because of outdated designs, poor technology, or even damaged goods. Always ask questions like “Why is it on sale?†to uncover the real reason behind the deal.
There are also promotions that are just bait. A tile dealer mentioned that 9-yuan antique bricks and 8-yuan polished tiles advertised in many places are often limited in quantity. Each household can only enjoy a few square meters of the deal, and anything beyond that is sold at the market price. These “specials†are more like a trick to draw customers in.
Silver Mirror,Round Silver Mirror,Silver Standing Mirror,Mini Transparent Silver Mirror
Dongguan Huahui Glass Manufacturing Co.,Ltd , https://www.antiquemirrorsupplier.com