Similar to developed countries, the online marketplace is thriving in Pakistan and accessible within a few taps. That said, buying home furniture online in Pakistan is now something common, even though not everyone is equally gifted when it comes to using technology. The prospect of purchasing something online excites buyers, but the risks involved can make it a nerve-racking experience if due consideration is not given to a few critical things. For instance, finding a seller that’s reliable, guarantees quality, and offers affordable shipping options backed with a return policy is among the crucial things to consider.
So, is there a way to remove stress and uncertainty from online shopping? How do you make sure that you are not being scammed? Well, of course, there is. Just make sure that you go through our guide of purchasing online furniture in Pakistan, and you’ll be good to go!
6 Tips for Buying Home Furniture Online in Pakistan
Shopping for furniture online is equal parts fun and equal parts fear. It may sound amazing to have countless choices at a few taps; however, besides getting tired of swiping left and right, too many options might leave you more confused. You would either end up buying something you wanted or walk away with something totally wrong for you. And, we certainly do not want the latter one to happen.
Let’s be clear about a fact before we begin – finding a piece of high-quality furniture online that best meets your needs and requirements may take up to several weeks. Do not stress-out, prepare yourself and chant, “the later, the better”. Just make sure that you have taken a look at our handy tips before you make a decision:
- Always Check A Store’s Reviews
- Make Sure the Store Offers A Return Policy
- Double-Check Shipping & Extra Costs
- Opt for Brick-and-Mortar Stores
- Examine Description and Pictures
- Compare Prices and Look for Coupons/Discounts
Always Check A Store’s Reviews
The first and most important step in ensuring that you are buying from a trustable seller is by completing a thorough background check of the store. Begin your homework by navigating to the store’s “About” section. Next, check the seller’s Facebook page and read the reviews left by other buyers. The seller’s website might have a review page on it, but take whatever’s written there with a pinch of salt since the seller has the control to manipulate and modify reviews.
Always remember that professional and reputable stores take pride in boasting details of their company and work. They always have some story or history that they want to be known for. While it is normal to encounter a few bad reviews, having several bad reviews or extremely low ratings indicate that the company is a piece of bad news.
Make Sure the Store Offers A Return Policy
When you are purchasing furniture online, look for websites with flexible return policies. It is often best to avoid buying online furniture in Pakistan from a site that doesn’t have clear return policies.
Despite having a return policy, some online stores ask the customer to bear the cost of return shipping. Such a situation can take a toll on your pocket, especially if it is a heavy piece of furniture or you have ordered it from another city.
Double-Check Shipping & Extra Costs
Among several things to consider while shopping for furniture online in Pakistan, the shipping and other extra costs are the most crucial factor to keep in mind. We do not want you to fall in love with something and later on find out that there’s no way you can afford it since it comes with shipping and other charges.
While many online furniture stores in Pakistan offer “no-delivery” charges in cases when you meet their minimum order requirements, some might charge an additional amount to get your furniture delivered to your doorstep. However, furniture pieces tend to be fragile, and paying a little extra for their safe delivery is something worth considering. In any case, make sure that the site has clearly mentioned the extra charges, and it doesn’t come off as a surprise for you when you are making a payment later on.
Opt for Brick-and-Mortar Stores
No bones about it: Online shopping in Pakistan has made life a little more convenient for introverts and for those who do not like the hustle and bustle of markets. What used to be done on foot can now be accomplished in a few taps without having to step outside your home.
From foods to furniture, pretty much everything is available online, and there’s no shortage of choice either. But buying a piece of furniture online is a little different than buying groceries online – which means if you ordered onions, you get onions. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said in the case of furniture. If you like something and you have doubts about its colour or quality. What should you do?
The first instinct is to contact customer services, but what if they are unable to satisfy your doubt? Would you just compromise and let it go? Well, that is when you will feel the need for the store to have a physical outlet. Choosing to purchase home furniture from a store with an actual location enables you to examine it in person.
Most of the time when buyers find something that they instantly fall in love with online, they end up hating it when they see it in real life. Simply put, having the option to physically check a table or chair before buying it can save you many headaches down the road.
Examine Description and Pictures
In continuation of the point mentioned above, what should you do if you like something on a reputable website, yet you have doubts about its colour and size? Well, here’re a few more things you should do in addition to examining the pictures with a critical eye:
- Good reviews about a store build credibility, but have you checked the product reviews? It may turn out to be something else, and it can undoubtedly help you in deciding whether the product meets your needs or not.
- Some furniture websites in Pakistan also let users attach photos taken from personal phones with the reviews. These photos enable buyers to have a better idea of what the furniture actually looks like in different lighting and angles. It can also give you a better insight into what comes with the furniture.
- Read the full description of a product, so you don’t feel scammed or cheated. If you have a habit of skim reading, you need to drop it before buying something worthy of your time and money.
- Be extra careful when you are in the description section since stores tend to choose the terms carefully. For instance, a furniture store wouldn’t use words such as “made from synthetic material” – they would instead write “composite woods”, which is way different than solid wood.
- Pictures can sometimes be a little deceiving. So, never assume that the furniture piece can fit where you want it to. Carefully check the measurements in the description section. Next, think about where you will keep it, how it will get through your main gate and the room’s entrance.
Compare Prices and Look for Coupons/Discounts
It goes without saying that a little comparison is necessary. Avoid shopping from the very first website or seller you come across. Do a little research before you decide on who offers the best deals.
Take notes of the cost of furniture, shipping costs, additional taxes, and return policies from one website and then compare it to the other. Be open about choices and practice it for every piece of furniture you find. It might demand a little time and energy, but careful research pays off in the end.
Furthermore, internet retailers love to offer sales and coupons when there’s some special occasion to attract a big crowd. You can benefit from such times, and it is best to wait for the holiday season like Eid or Ramadan. Who knows, you might end up affording that expensive couch on sale. Some websites also offer clearance sales that are likely to happen when a season ends, and it is their time to re-stock.
Have you bought furniture online? Share your experience with us at blog@zameen.com. For more tips on buying and selling, subscribe to Zameen Blog.
