[Mucheng Network] Do you dare to buy furniture online in 2012? Furniture is different from clothing, books and other goods. It is closely related to the material, comfort and durability of the product. Without seeing the actual product in person, it is very difficult to determine the craftsmanship and material of the product. The online sales market is mixed with good and bad players. Due to some merchants stealing pictures of well-known brands but selling imitations, it is a common occurrence for consumers to receive goods that are very different from the photos.
1. Mismatch between physical product and photos
Furniture is different from clothing, books and other goods. It is closely related to the material, comfort and durability of the product. Without seeing the actual product in person, it is very difficult to determine the craftsmanship and material of the product. The online sales market is mixed with good and bad players. Due to some merchants stealing pictures of well-known brands but selling imitations, it is a common occurrence for consumers to receive goods that are very different from the photos.
Solution: Adequate preparation work is crucial; direct dialogue is key
Before shopping online, one must prepare adequately. First, gather a large amount of information, including brand information, merchant credibility, and especially carefully read buyer reviews, which can provide consumers with excellent reference. Before purchasing, one must directly communicate with the merchant, carefully verify the product details, and retain chat record screenshots. In case of disputes later on, these can be used as evidence.
Xi'an Gujia Home Furnishing Operations Director Qiu Jun suggests: "When purchasing large items online, one must be cautious and comprehensive. Measure dimensions clearly first, consider colors and placement, also take into account the location of home heating and air conditioning, physical deviations, dimensional errors. Online shopping is not like physical stores where you can measure on-site, so it requires a high level of attentiveness and advance preparation from buyers."
2. Impersonation is hard to guard against
Another frustrating aspect of online shopping is the abundance of imitations. Many merchants sell under the guise of famous brand furniture, but what they offer is often low-quality, non-environmentally friendly, and fake goods that do not match the photos in terms of size and color. For example, when searching for a well-known brand bed online, dozens of imitation products from unofficial websites may appear. These imitations vary greatly in quality, and most will have some degree of quality issues.
Solution: Choose official flagship stores and direct manufacturer sales for assurance
"Before purchasing furniture, consumers must understand the brand and the company, and try to buy from well-known brands. Find regular factories with registration, and whose cities have specialized store distributions. Avoid websites set up by agents. Some agents save on rent and labor costs by selling lower-priced furniture, but once quality problems arise, disputes are likely. Consumers should preferably select styles online and then confirm quality and dimensions at physical stores." Qu Mei Furniture General Manager Zhang Wenguang said.
3. Difficult transportation and after-sales service
Since buying furniture online involves third-party logistics companies, and the nature of furniture makes it prone to damage, disputes often arise. Moreover, the return and exchange process online is cumbersome and complex, making it extremely difficult for consumers to protect their rights.
Solution: Reliable logistics companies; batch payment is safer
Before placing an order, consumers must ask the seller about the logistics company they cooperate with and choose those with good reputations. When the logistics company delivers the goods, insist on inspecting them on-site. First, check the number of furniture pieces clearly. Second, if purchasing wooden furniture, check for scratches or paint peeling on edges and corners, and whether it is damp or infested with insects. If buying sofas or mattresses, check for any scratches. When buying furniture online, consumers can pay in installments by paying a deposit first, and only pay the full amount after receiving the goods and being satisfied. This is more secure and reliable.