Is the price of furniture negotiable?

Mrs.Jason.9.15.07

I am *kind of* in the market for new couches and my budget is small.  Anyway, I found some couches that I LOVE from Macy's but they are more than I am willing to pay.  I have done a little research and I saw that Macy's really doesn't have anything better than 10% off during their friends and family sales on furniture but I was hoping for an even lower price.  

Anyway, is the price of furniture negotiable?  I have always paid asking price when buying furniture in the past and I was just curious if furniture was negotiable like cars.  Ha.  But for real, the mark up on furniture is crazy.  

 

moonstone523

At Haverty's or Ethan Allen and such, I've negotiated prices (unless it was a clearance item), but a department store makes me think the price is set, except on a sale.

surfbetty530

I know at Dillard's, people try to negotiate all the time but we will only give a 10% discount if the merch is damaged (like a scratch or torn seam or something). Otherwise, they have to wait til it is on sale or we just damage the product out and throw it away.

SCJB143

I've  negotiated  with Rooms To Go before and got a good deal. But Macy's might not go under the 10%.

Mrs.Jason.9.15.07

moonstone523:

At Haverty's or Ethan Allen and such, I've negotiated prices (unless it was a clearance item), but a department store makes me think the price is set, except on a sale.

Hmm, you're probably right, department stores won't negotiate.  I looked at Ethan Allen and for a comparable sofa that was tufted it was $2,300.  That one sofa is over my budget and I need two, LOL.  So Ethan Allen is out for me  

But I did see a sectional that was Tufted at Rooms to Go that was about $1,900.  If they could give me a 20% discount that would be doable.  However, I am not crazy about the idea of a sectional in my living room.  The set up would be better for a love seat and a sofa.  Plus the sectional is a little more modern looking than I want.  

I really love the Macy's sofa.  It's more vintage looking.  Which probably means my H will hate it......

http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/chloe-velvet-metro-living-room-furniture-sets-pieces?ID=351454&CategoryID=35419#fn=FURNITURE_TYPE=Sofa&sp=1&spc=187&ruleId=52&slotId=10

 

Sometimes I wish I still worked so we would have more money.  No, wait.  I don't wish I still worked.... 

Mrs.Jason.9.15.07

surfbetty530:

I know at Dillard's, people try to negotiate all the time but we will only give a 10% discount if the merch is damaged (like a scratch or torn seam or something). Otherwise, they have to wait til it is on sale or we just damage the product out and throw it away.

Do you ever get to keep those damaged products?  LOL.  I don't mind spending money but for whatever reason it really irks me to buy makeup.  I have no idea why, but I ALWAYS put off buying new makeup.  I would rather spend the money on a new pair of shoes or something. 

Mrs.Jason.9.15.07

SCJB143:

I've  negotiated  with Rooms To Go before and got a good deal. But Macy's might not go under the 10%.

Do you remember the % you were able to get off?  Just curious how low they will go.  

I am a cheapskate.  And I hate paying full price for something that has like a 300% markup.   

moonstone523

Love that sofa, though it looks uncomfortable.  Is it for a formal living room or familly room? 

Ethan Allen is expensive!  

Have you checked out Craig's List or a consignment shop in a bigger city?

Mrs.Jason.9.15.07

moonstone523:

Love that sofa, though it looks uncomfortable.  Is it for a formal living room or familly room? 

Ethan Allen is expensive!  

Have you checked out Craig's List or a consignment shop in a bigger city?

No it's for the family room.  But I read the reviews and most said the sofa was surprisingly comfortable.  Obviously I would do the butt test first and let my behind make the final decision, LOL.  But you're right, it does look slightly uncomfortable.  And I have a feeling that the couches might be too small for my larger family room.  I really need to go and see them in person.

You bring up a good point about a consignment shop.......there is one about an hour away from my house that I may check out.  But I am a little reluctant about buying a used sofa.  A used dinning room table, no, but a used sofa yes.  Like, people do all sorts of *things* on sofas....ha.

SCJB143

Mrs.Jason.9.15.07:

SCJB143:

I've  negotiated  with Rooms To Go before and got a good deal. But Macy's might not go under the 10%.

Do you remember the % you were able to get off?  Just curious how low they will go.  

I am a cheapskate.  And I hate paying full price for something that has like a 300% markup.   

I think they went 15% off and a free coffee table and end tables.

 

SCJB143

Mrs.Jason.9.15.07:

SCJB143:

I've  negotiated  with Rooms To Go before and got a good deal. But Macy's might not go under the 10%.

Do you remember the % you were able to get off?  Just curious how low they will go.  

I am a cheapskate.  And I hate paying full price for something that has like a 300% markup.   

I think they went 15% off and a free coffee table and end tables.

 

surfbetty530

Mrs.Jason.9.15.07:

surfbetty530:

I know at Dillard's, people try to negotiate all the time but we will only give a 10% discount if the merch is damaged (like a scratch or torn seam or something). Otherwise, they have to wait til it is on sale or we just damage the product out and throw it away.

Do you ever get to keep those damaged products?  LOL.  I don't mind spending money but for whatever reason it really irks me to buy makeup.  I have no idea why, but I ALWAYS put off buying new makeup.  I would rather spend the money on a new pair of shoes or something. 

Damaged makeup is different. It usually isn't damaged. The only thing I can think of is a eyeliner that twists up instead of having to sharpen, won't twist. I just gave the customer a new one. If we accidentally break something, like drop a blush, we just throw it away. I can't really think of an instance where anyone got to keep it (or would want to). And yes... it sucks buying makeup with how expensive it is!

I hope you can find a comparable couch somewhere with a decent price. Ugh, furniture is expensive!!! 

ChangeOfPace

I know this doesn't help you if you want to buy something soon, but Crate and Barrel has a great upholstery sale every fall.  We bought our sectional in October of 2008 and it is seriously the most comfortable thing ever.  We got a great deal on a very high quality piece of furniture.  I actually really really miss that sofa and wish we hadn't put it into storage when we moved here.  I told DH that we are 100% taking that bad boy out of storage and bringing it with us to the next place we move.  It's upholstered in this ultra soft microfiber and has down in the cushions.  It's also extra wide so it makes a great guest bed in a pinch.  I lived on that thing after DS was born.