Question about buying furniture from the internet?

[cibercouger]

Hi,
This is my first post on any forums ever.
I am getting married in August, and I will be moving to a new place with my wife for the first time.
I have been searching for furniture deals on the internet, I don't have any experience about baying furniture at all. My initial budget is about $10,000
I just saw an ad on craigslist about this web site http://furniturevariety.com

I got tempted because they are offering 30% off for orders more than $3,000, and 110 price match policy, but until the end of the month of June.

My questions are:
1) Is it safe to buy furniture from the internet?
2) Any experience about this store?
3) What is the best approach I should take if I decide to buy from them?

Any help will be highly appreciated.
Thanks

[Peter Cornstalk]

I wouldn't buy a door mat from that place.

Here is why:

1. If you don't like the furniture, you still pay them 30% restocking fee + shipping both ways.
2. Domain name is less than 1 year old.
3. Domain name address does not match website.
4. Absolutely no credentials on their website.
5. They advertise on craigslist.
6. They only use PayPal.

Run!

[Lara RR]

As you found them on Craigslist, are they local to you? If so, definitely take a trip to the physical store to look or purchase directly from the brick and mortar store.

Here's the address/phone numbers from their website:

Closeout Bargains
Phone number (845) 610-3550
Fax number (845) 610-3549

Chester Mall Plaza
78 Brookside Ave.
Chester, NY 10918

At this time there have been no reviews submitted on Closeout Bargains / furniturevariety.com. Nothing negative seems to be popping up on them via Google.

A 30% restocking fee is high. Also, what about shipping fees? Many times reduced profits from drastic markdowns are recovered from exorbitant shipping and handling fees. As you would be purchasing heavy, bulky furniture, it would be wise to carefully consider these costs - and your costs for return shipping PLUS the 30% if you get defective items, or need to return for whatever reason, etc.

If nothing else, pay with a credit card only - never pay cash/western union/wire transfer/bank transfer/egold, etc., and do not shop at a store that will not take your credit card.

When you are anxious to get settled into your new life and being tempted to impulse buy is the exact time to slow down, take a deep breath and tread carefully. There are many furniture stores out there so you have a lot of options. You will not regret having patience and doing thorough research when it comes to these major purchases. I know this from experience, having been down that road

Btw, welcome to ResellerRatings.com and congratulations on your upcoming marriage.

[Peter Cornstalk]

Last time I bought furniture locally, I got 4 years no interest financing on it!

[nomaxim]

The BBB has nothing on this company either. The BBB only has two business listed at that address.

Company Name Address City/State/Postal Type of Business
Beauty Club 78 Brookside Ave Chester, NY 10918 Beauty Salons
M&J Removal 78 Brookside Ave Chester, NY 10918 Rubbish/Garbage Removal

I set an request to the BBB to generate a report for them.

Also as Peter pointed out the WhoIs info gives an address in Maryland. MapQuest gives the travel time and distance as;

Total Est. Time: 4 hours, 22 minutes
Total Est. Distance: 260.89 miles

Domain Name.......... furniturevariety.com
Creation Date........ 2006-09-24
Registration Date.... 2006-09-24
Expiry Date.......... 2007-09-24
Organisation Name.... mazen attaallah
Organisation Address. 9349 breamore ct
Organisation Address.
Organisation Address. LAUREL
Organisation Address. 20723
Organisation Address. MD
Organisation Address. UNITED STATES
......
Admin Phone.......... +1.3016046050

The information does check out through a reverse phone number look-up with Whitepages.com.