[Mucheng Network] Dare you buy furniture online in 2012? Furniture is different from clothing, books, and other commodities as it is closely related to the material, comfort, and durability of the product. It's hard to determine the craftsmanship and materials without seeing the physical item in person. Online sales are mixed with good and bad products, and due to some merchants stealing pictures of well-known brands but selling imitations, it's common for consumers to receive goods that differ greatly from the photos.
1. Physical photos do not match
Furniture differs from clothing, books, and other goods because it is closely related to the material, comfort, and durability of the product. Without personally seeing the physical item, it's difficult to confirm the production process and materials. Online sales are mixed with good and bad products, and due to some merchants stealing pictures of well-known brands but selling imitations, it's common for consumers to receive goods that differ greatly from the photos.
Advice: Adequate preparation is key; direct dialogue is crucial.
Before shopping online, one must prepare adequately. First, gather a lot of information, including brand information, merchant credibility, and especially carefully read buyer reviews, which can provide excellent reference for consumers. Before purchasing, be sure to have a direct conversation with the merchant, verify the details of the product carefully, and keep screenshots of chat records. In case of disputes later, these can serve as evidence.
Xi'an Gujia Home Operations Director Qiu Jun suggests: "When buying large items online, one must be cautious and comprehensive. Measure the dimensions clearly first, consider the color and placement, also take into account the location of home heating and air conditioning, physical deviations, and dimensional errors. The internet cannot compare to physical stores where on-site measurements are possible, so it requires a high level of detail and advance preparation from buyers."
2. Impostors are unpredictable
Another frustrating aspect of online shopping is the abundance of counterfeit products. Many merchants sell under the guise of famous brand furniture, but what they offer are poor-quality, non-environmental, fake goods that don't match the photos in terms of size and color. For example, searching for a well-known brand bed online may yield dozens of unofficial websites selling imitations. These imitations vary greatly in quality, and most will encounter some degree of quality issues.
Advice: Choose official flagship stores and direct manufacturer outlets for security.
"Consumers must understand the brand and company before purchasing furniture, and try to buy from well-known brands. Look for regular factories, registered shops with specialty store distributions in your city. Do not choose websites set up by agents. Some agents save on rent and labor costs by offering lower-priced furniture, but once there are quality issues, disputes are likely to arise. Consumers should preferably select styles online and then confirm the quality and size at physical stores." said Zhang Wenguang, General Manager of Qu Mei Furniture.
3. Difficult transportation and after-sales service
Since online purchases of furniture involve third-party logistics companies, the nature of furniture makes it prone to damage, leading to frequent disputes. Moreover, the return and exchange process online is cumbersome and complex, making it even more challenging for consumers to protect their rights.
Advice: Reliable logistics companies and phased payments are safer.
Before placing an order, consumers must clarify which logistics company the seller cooperates with and try to choose reputable ones. When the logistics company delivers the goods, insist on checking the items on the spot. First, check the number of furniture pieces clearly. Second, if purchasing wooden furniture, check if the edges and corners are scratched or peeled, and whether they are damp or infested with insects. If buying sofas or mattresses, ensure they haven't been damaged. When purchasing furniture online, consumers can pay in phases by paying a deposit first and the full amount only after receiving and confirming satisfaction with the goods, ensuring greater safety and security.