Shopping online is a completely different territory from in-person shopping. Although processes are more straightforward, several factors still need to be considered, and buyers need to be vigilant of possible complications. With that, below is a simple guide to buying a new mattress online successfully
Advantages
Online shopping comes with benefits that make finding the desired product easier. Moreover, numerous companies offer mattresses with unique features, so you can effortlessly search through options to find the best online mattress company to buy from.
Economical
Often, online mattress companies do not have physical stores, and therefore, do not have to pay for retail store management or sales commissions. Hence, online products are cheaper, and discounts are more common.
Comfortable
One of the most uncomfortable things in shopping for a mattress in person is having a sales representative hanging around and making a fuss about every product you come across. This bothersome situation usually ends up in people getting pressured to buy products they don’t even want. With online shopping, you can explore products at your pace, anytime.
More Products to Choose From
Typically, you can view as many as ten products per page in online shopping. With this, you can easily select which products are the most visually appealing. It should help narrow your options and save time, so you view only the relevant products that catch your eye.
Disadvantages
Although online shopping offers various benefits, it also has its disadvantages. Due to this, many remain skeptical and prefer in-person shopping. That said, below are a few things to be aware of in online shopping:
Products Are Only Seen
Unlike in-person store visits, online shopping only allows visual exploration. Meaning, consumers can only see the products and not feel them, making deciding on a mattress difficult.
Lack of Assistance
In online shopping, buyers are left to their own devices when exploring products. Hence, questions can arise and there will be no sales representative to assist. Moreover, although some websites offer online sales assistance through chat, they are rare.
Risk of Fraud
Because online transactions do not require physical contact between two people, fraud is common in online shopping, especially among unverified websites and stores. Moreover, platforms can easily fake credentials by showing edited certificates.
Deliveries Take Time
After purchasing a mattress online, it usually takes time for the product to arrive at a buyer’s home. It can take between hours up to a week, depending on the seller’s location. Unquestionably, the uncertainties in delivery time can be frustrating.
What to Do When Online Shopping for a New Mattress
To ensure that transactions are smooth, preparations need to be thorough before purchasing a new mattress online. Below are simple steps you can do not only for a safer online shopping experience but also to find the best mattress to suit your needs.
Set a Budget
Create a realistic budget for your new mattress by making sure to factor in your preferred features. Choose a budget range among budget ($250-$1,000), mid-range ($500-$1,500), and luxury ($1,200-$3,000 and up).
Establish What Mattress Features You Want and Don’t Want
When shopping for a new mattress, make sure you know what size and type you want. Make sure that your choice accommodates the number of people and that the firmness is comfortable.
Mattress Sizes:
- Single/Twin (38 in. x 75 in.) – Fits one adult person.
- Double/Full (54 in. x 75 in.) – Fits one adult and one child.
- Queen (60 in. x 80 in.) – Fits two adults together.
- King (76 in. x 80 in.) – Fits two adults and one child comfortably.
- California King (72 in. x 84 in.) – Fits two adults and one child, but may be uncomfortable.
Mattress Types:
- Innerspring – Medium to firm
- Memory Foam – Soft to medium firmness
- Latex – Medium firmness
- Hybrid – Medium firmness
- Gel-Infused Foam – Soft to medium firmness
- Polyfoam – Soft to medium firmness
Always Read the Specifications
To know the features of a mattress, make sure to read the specifications on a product’s page. There, you will learn about the size, type, materials, and price. There may also be added information regarding the manufacturer as well as possible discounts.
Take Note of the Online Store’s Reputation and Product Reviews
Before settling for a mattress company or a product you found online, make sure to search about the platform’s credibility. Don’t rely solely on product reviews within the website because even those can be fake and edited. To be safe, choose only reputable companies.
Choose Offers With Trial Periods, Return Policies, and Warranties
Because online shopping doesn’t allow buyers to test products, trial periods and return policies are essential. These offers enable you to observe the effects of the mattress on your sleep quality. In case a mattress doesn’t turn out to suit your needs, you can easily ask for a replacement or a refund.
Takeaway
The expansion of e-commerce has allowed almost anything to be bought online, of course, including mattresses. Due to this, the procedures involved in purchasing one have become simpler and more convenient compared to in-person store visits. Nevertheless, preparations and precautions are still needed to get the best mattress with the least complications.