Buying furniture online is convenient. You can browse thousands of options from your couch, compare prices instantly, and have items delivered to your door.
But it can also go wrong. The color doesn't match the photos. The quality feels cheap in person. The "solid wood" table turns out to be particleboard with a veneer. The delivery takes 8 weeks instead of 2.
After years in the furniture business, here are the 5 rules we recommend for buying furniture online — whether you're shopping with us or anywhere else.
1. Always Check the Dimensions (Twice)
This is the #1 mistake online furniture shoppers make. A sofa that looks perfect on screen might be 6 inches too long for your wall. A dining table might overwhelm a small dining nook.
Before you buy:
- Measure the space where the furniture will go
- Check the product dimensions (width, depth, height)
- Use painter's tape to mark the footprint on the floor
- Account for clearance — you need room to walk around furniture
Pro tip: Don't forget doorway dimensions. That beautiful sectional won't matter if it doesn't fit through your front door.
2. Read the Materials Description Carefully
Online furniture photos are styled to look their best — professional lighting, staged rooms, flattering angles. The materials description tells the real story.
Watch out for:
- "Wood-look" or "wood-grain" = not real wood (usually MDF or laminate)
- "Bonded leather" or "faux leather" = not real leather (synthetic)
- "Assembly required" with 100+ pieces = prepare for a long afternoon
- No materials listed at all = red flag
What you want to see: Specific material callouts like "solid acacia wood frame," "top-grain leather upholstery," or "cold-rolled steel legs."
3. Read Reviews — But Read Them Right
Star ratings are misleading. A product with 4.5 stars and 10 reviews is less reliable than one with 4.0 stars and 500 reviews.
How to read reviews effectively:
- Filter for 2-star and 3-star reviews — they're usually the most honest and specific
- Look for photos from actual buyers, not just the product listing
- Pay attention to comments about durability after 3–6 months of use
- Ignore reviews that are clearly about shipping issues, not the product
4. Understand the Return Policy Before You Buy
This is where many online furniture purchases become nightmares. Some stores charge restocking fees of 15–25%. Others require you to ship the furniture back at your own expense — which can cost $100–$300 for large items.
Before purchasing, check:
- Is there a return window? (30 days is standard)
- Who pays return shipping?
- Is there a restocking fee?
- Does the policy cover "didn't like it" or only defects?
At Francis Retail: All sales are final with a 48-hour defect window. We're upfront about this because our prices are already 40–80% below retail. We encourage in-person inspection whenever possible.
5. Compare the Total Cost (Not Just the Sticker Price)
A sofa listed at $799 with $250 shipping, $50 white-glove delivery, and 15% restocking fee if you return it is more expensive than a $999 sofa with free shipping and free returns.
Total cost includes:
- Base price
- Shipping/delivery fees
- Assembly fees (if applicable)
- Potential return costs
Or skip all that: Visit a local warehouse store like ours. The price you see is the price you pay. No hidden shipping fees, no restocking traps. You see the item in person before you buy, and you can take it home the same day.
The Smartest Way to Buy Furniture
The best furniture shopping strategy combines online research with in-person buying:
- Browse online to understand what styles and sizes you want
- Set a budget based on your research
- Visit a warehouse store to find similar items at 40–80% off
- Inspect in person before buying
- Take it home or arrange delivery the same day
That's exactly how our customers shop at Francis Retail — and it's why they keep coming back.
Visit Us
Browse in person at 13544 Imperial Highway, Suite B, Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670, or shop online at francisretail.com.
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