Table of Contents
- How do I find the best mattress store near me?
- What types of mattresses can I find at a store near me?
- What should I look for when buying a mattress in-store?
- Can I negotiate prices at a mattress store?
- What are the most common mattress warranties?
- Do mattress stores have financing options?
- What’s the difference between online mattress shopping and visiting a store?
- How can I choose the right mattress size for my needs?
- Are there mattress stores that offer same-day delivery?
- What are the best times of year to buy a mattress?
Can I negotiate prices at a mattress store?
Yes, you can often negotiate prices at mattress stores, especially if you’re well-prepared and know what to ask for. Here’s how to go about it:
- Research Ahead of Time: Before heading to the store, research the average price range for the type of mattress you’re interested in. Having this knowledge gives you a stronger position during negotiations.
- Inquire About Discounts: Start by asking if there are any current sales, promotions, or discounts available. Stores often have unadvertised deals or are willing to lower the price to match a competitor.
- Mention Competitor Pricing: If you’ve found a similar mattress at another store for a lower price, bring this up. Many stores will match or even beat competitor pricing to secure your business.
- Negotiate Delivery Fees: If the store is firm on the mattress price, you can often negotiate other aspects of the purchase, such as free delivery, setup, or removal of your old mattress.
- Pay in Cash: Some stores may offer a small discount if you pay in cash, as it saves them from processing credit card fees.
- Buy During Sales Events: Many stores have big sales during holidays such as Labor Day, Black Friday, or Memorial Day. These are prime opportunities to negotiate further discounts on top of sale prices.
- Ask About Floor Models: Floor models or returned mattresses (often in excellent condition) can be significantly cheaper. Ask if any of these options are available.
- Bundle Offers: Some stores may be willing to offer discounts if you buy additional items like pillows, mattress protectors, or bed frames.
- Be Prepared to Walk Away: If the store isn’t willing to negotiate, don’t be afraid to leave and explore other options. Many times, this can prompt a better offer.
- Be Polite and Persistent: Negotiation is more effective when you maintain a friendly, polite attitude. Persistence also pays off, so don’t hesitate to ask again if you’re not satisfied with the first offer.
What are the most common mattress warranties?
Mattress warranties vary depending on the manufacturer and the type of mattress, but they typically cover defects in materials and workmanship. Here’s what to expect from a standard mattress warranty:
- Length of Warranty: Most mattress warranties range from 5 to 20 years, with 10 years being the industry standard for mid-range mattresses. Premium mattresses often come with longer warranties of up to 25 years.
- What’s Covered: Warranties generally cover issues like:
- Sagging beyond a certain depth (usually 1 to 1.5 inches)
- Manufacturing defects in the cover or stitching
- Broken coils or springs (for innerspring mattresses)
- Deterioration of foam (for memory foam and hybrid mattresses)
- What’s Not Covered: Warranties usually do not cover:
- Normal wear and tear
- Minor sagging or impressions
- Physical damage caused by improper handling
- Issues resulting from the use of an inappropriate bed frame
- Pro-Rated vs. Non-Pro-Rated: Some warranties are pro-rated, meaning you’ll have to pay a portion of the cost for a replacement mattress after a certain number of years. Non-pro-rated warranties offer full coverage throughout the warranty period.
- Conditions for Warranty: To maintain the validity of the warranty, certain conditions must be met, such as using the mattress with the proper foundation and not causing damage through misuse.
- Filing a Claim: If you need to file a warranty claim, be prepared to provide proof of purchase and photos of the defect. The process can take time, and some manufacturers require you to cover shipping fees for the return or inspection of the mattress.
- Extended Warranties: Some stores offer extended warranties for an additional fee. Be sure to read the fine print, as these may not provide better coverage than the standard warranty.
- Mattress Protectors: Using a mattress protector is often required to keep the warranty valid, as it protects the mattress from stains, spills, and allergens that could void the warranty.
- Exchanging the Mattress: Some warranties allow for a replacement mattress if the original is found to be defective, though this often comes with stipulations regarding wear and tear.
- Keep Your Receipt: Always save your receipt and any warranty paperwork, as you’ll need it to file a claim. Digital copies can be helpful if the paperwork is misplaced.
Do mattress stores have financing options?
Yes, many mattress stores offer financing options to make purchasing easier, especially for higher-end mattresses. Here’s what you need to know about financing:
- Types of Financing:
- Installment Plans: These allow you to pay off your mattress over time, typically in monthly installments.
- Zero-Interest Financing: Some stores offer 0% interest financing for a set period, such as 6, 12, or 24 months. Be sure to make payments on time, as missing a payment can result in retroactive interest.
- Deferred Interest: This type of financing allows you to avoid interest if the mattress is paid off within a specific timeframe. However, if you don’t pay it off, the accrued interest is added to your balance.
- Credit Check: Most financing plans require a credit check. Your credit score may affect the interest rate you qualify for or whether you’re approved for financing at all.
- Down Payment: Some stores require a down payment to begin financing. This amount is usually a percentage of the total cost.
- Payment Terms: Before signing up for financing, review the payment terms carefully. Understand the length of the financing period, the interest rate (if applicable), and the consequences of missing payments.
- Buy Now, Pay Later Options: Services like Affirm, Klarna, and Afterpay allow you to split your purchase into smaller payments over time without using a traditional credit card.
- In-Store Credit Cards: Some mattress stores offer branded credit cards with special financing terms. Be cautious with these cards, as they often come with high interest rates after the promotional period.
- No-Credit-Check Financing: Some stores offer no-credit-check financing, which is an option for those with low credit scores. However, these plans often come with higher interest rates and fees.
- Layaway Plans: Layaway allows you to reserve a mattress and pay for it over time before taking it home. This is a good option for those who prefer not to finance through credit.
- Early Payoff: Check if the financing plan allows for early payoff without penalties. This can help you avoid interest charges if you’re able to pay off the balance sooner than expected.
- Compare Options: Before committing to a financing plan, compare the terms offered by different stores or online retailers. Some stores may offer more favorable conditions or better promotional periods.
What’s the difference between online mattress shopping and visiting a store?
Choosing between online mattress shopping and visiting a physical store depends on your preferences, but both methods offer distinct advantages:
- Convenience:
- Online: Shopping from home is easy and allows you to browse a wide range of options without leaving the house.
- In-Store: Visiting a store gives you the opportunity to physically test out mattresses before buying.
- Selection:
- Online: Many online retailers offer a broader selection of mattresses since they don’t have the space limitations of a physical store.
- In-Store: While in-store options may be more limited, you can experience the feel and firmness of the mattress firsthand.
- Pricing:
- Online: Online mattresses are often less expensive due to fewer overhead costs. Many retailers also offer free shipping.
- In-Store: Prices may be higher in stores, but they often run sales and promotions that can bring costs down.
- Trial Period:
- Online: Online mattress companies usually offer extended trial periods (often 100-365 days) with free returns if you’re not satisfied.
- In-Store: Some stores offer trial periods as well, but they tend to be shorter (usually 30-90 days).
- Returns:
- Online: Returning an online mattress is often easy and hassle-free, with many retailers offering free pickup.
- In-Store: Returning a mattress to a store may come with restocking fees or delivery charges.
- Delivery:
- Online: Most online mattresses arrive compressed in a box, which you’ll need to unbox and set up yourself.
- In-Store: Many stores offer delivery and setup, often for an additional fee, or for free with certain purchases.
- Customer Service:
- Online: While online retailers usually offer customer support via phone or chat, it’s not the same as speaking with someone face-to-face.
- In-Store: In-store shopping allows you to ask questions and receive immediate assistance from knowledgeable staff.
- Financing:
- Online: Many online stores offer financing options through third-party services like Affirm or Klarna.
- In-Store: Most mattress stores also offer financing, sometimes with promotional periods of 0% interest.
- Immediate Gratification:
- Online: You’ll have to wait for your mattress to be delivered, which can take several days to weeks.
- In-Store: Buying in-store allows you to take the mattress home right away or have it delivered quickly, sometimes the same day.
- Sales and Promotions:
- Online: Online retailers frequently run sales and offer discounts year-round.
- In-Store: Physical stores often run major sales around holidays like Memorial Day, Labor Day, or Black Friday.