Retail Schmetail

Every single professional practicing a specific trade knows a few things that outsiders don't. There are tricks of the trade we keep and rarely share. We keep these tricks in our back pockets to make us seem like the hero in a tight situation. But why should I keep it to myself? If you can be flexible, creative and not uber-picky there are a few things to learn here.


Lets talk furniture retailers.

Any store that sells furniture where you can customize your finish options is going to have some items that never make it into their intended homes. Sometimes they come in with the wrong fabric... some of them are discontinued showroom items... some of them come in with a slight imperfection. (And some of the homeowners that order them refuse them when they come in because they came in differently than what they thought they were going to be.) Now, it's the showroom or dealership's problem.

Unfortunately, sometimes these items can sit in a warehouse or delivery depot f-o-r-e-v-e-r. However, if you know that these furniture graveyards exist you can speak to a manager who has a stake in making a few bucks back on a piece they thought were a lost cause. Take this for example; When a dealership purchases custom goods they are paying a NET cost on everything and marking them up to a RETAIL price. The margin on these pieces most likely start at a 20% mark up... a percentage that allows the dealer to stay afloat. (Anything lower than that really doesn't cover overhead costs and commission to any sales personnel involved in the sale.) Now this piece that is now sitting in a warehouse has already been paid for by the dealership. One day, you (you savvy buyer, you) comes into the showroom and says that you're looking for a sofa. You love what you see on their floor but cannot afford it. "Do you have a stock room or warehouse of furniture that you could offer at a discounted price?" Sales people may not be so inclined to because they won't make any money on it ... but in reality... they probably will help you. (If they say they don't, ask if they have preferred delivery or installing companies that they use... they could be a 3rd party that houses everything off site.) And, if the sales person is giving you the cold shoulder ask to speak to a manager... remember ... they have a larger stake in it than the salesperson.

You find a piece you love and the dealer will still mark it up but it will be considerably lower than if you paid for something custom off the showroom floor. If you pursue multiple locations and hold out for a deal, you can score a brand new piece at a discounted price! (And nobody will ever know... but you'll probably brag about it to your friends like you would a sweet deal you found on a designer bag.)