How to get a deal at Art Van Furniture

Looking to pick up some new furniture, perhaps at a discount? Here are some tips from my most recent furniture purchase.

• LOCATIONS: Visit multiple locations.  Of the 3 stores I visited, there was different furniture on the floor at each one.  You may find something you like better or a similar piece at a better price
• SPECIALS: Once you know what you want, check the Art Van website for current specials.  They love to run specials on Wednesday or holidays.  Sometimes it’s no sales tax, other times it’s a percentage off, or no-interest financing.  Also, check the Art Van Facebook page for “member” specials.  You qualify for these too!  If they are vague (ie “Huge Sale”) call the store and ask what the sale entails.
• PAYMENT TYPE: Ask the salesperson if you can get an extra discount for paying with cash/check
• SPECIAL ALTERNATIVE: Ask if you can get a discount instead of taking the interest-free financing
• NEGOTIATE: If you’re salesperson won’t budge on the price, find a salesperson who will.  Find someone who has not spoken with you yet and blatantly ask them “Do you want to make a sale today?” If they can’t help either, be ready to walk away and wait for the next big sale
• 30 DAY PRICE MATCH: After you make your purchase, you have a 30 day price guarantee.  Check back on the websites for new specials to make sure you got the best price possible (they won’t notify you of a better price, you have to call them on it)

During my experience, I did each of these things.  I found what I wanted at the 3rd store.  The couch was in stock in the color I wanted instead of having to special order a similar couch ($200 savings by not having to special order 2 pieces).  I asked about paying in cash and getting an extra discount instead of taking the financing but didn’t have luck with those.

When my salesperson would not budge on price (current offer was they pay 6% sales tax), I pretended to leave.  I then approached a salesperson and asked “Would you like to make a sale today?“.  I explained what I wanted and he went to talk to his manager and came back with a total of 10% off (+4% discount from existing sale).  When I explained that I was hoping for more of a discount, I was informed of a special at one store only where I could get 20% off (+14% discount from existing sale).  The event was advertised on facebook but did not explicitly state the percent savings.  A quick call to the store confirmed 20% off.

I have been checking the website for better deals now that I’m in my 30 day price match period.  This Wednesday there is a 15% off special.  Not quite what I got, but if you would have paid full price, it would be a significant savings.

Happy furniture hunting!