In recent years, Bangladesh has seen a huge spike in online furniture shopping. This is mainly due to the convenient and comfortable features it offers in terms of browsing and purchasing. From stylish sofas to numerous storage solutions to comfortable chairs and beautiful dining sets, you can buy everything with a few clicks.
Despite the large number of benefits, shopping for furniture online is not without any risks. This is especially because the online shopping world is still improving in terms of quality, delivery, and after-sales services. As a result, this guide discusses the important dos and don’ts of online furniture shopping for Bangladeshi consumers.
Understanding the Online Furniture Market in Bangladesh
Currently, there are numerous well-known online furniture brands which have a wide range of collections. So, now you can easily buy furniture in Bangladesh. However, it is quite common for shoppers to come across problems in terms of product mismatch, late deliveries, and lack of customer service.
Not only that but now social media platforms like Facebook are filled with online furniture sellers as well. While some are genuine on sites like these, others are not. Hence, it is crucial for you to shop smart especially where big purchases like furniture are concerned.
Dos of Online Furniture Shopping
There are necessary steps you should take when you are planning to shop for furniture online. Some of them are:
1. Do Research on the Brand and Seller
Before buying, you should always research the brand. There are established names in the industry that maintain their quality most of the time. However, if you are buying from lesser-known brands or Facebook pages, then it is a different story. In such cases, you should check their website, social media activity, and customer feedback to judge their authenticity.
Always remember that genuine sellers have product listings, reviews, and a great customer service team.
2. Do Check Product Dimensions and Specifications
One of the common problems of buying furniture online is furniture not fitting in the intended space. So, to avoid this, you should always measure your room beforehand. Then, compare it with the furniture dimensions mentioned on the product page. You should double-check material types, color, and functionality.
3. Do Read Customer Reviews
Another important step is to always read customer reviews. Look at the comments from customers about the overall product quality, comfort level, delivery service, and satisfaction. It is a bonus point if you can find user-uploaded photos.
4. Do Ask About Delivery Charges and Return Policies
There are some online stores that charge extra delivery fees depending on your location. So, you should always ask for the final delivery cost before confirming your purchase. Additionally, you should also ask and know about the return and exchange policies. This will help you in case the product arrives damaged or is not similar to its description and image.
Don’ts of Online Furniture Shopping
Now that you know what to do when it comes to shopping for furniture online, here are some things that you should not do:
1. Don’t Rely on Photos Alone
Images can be severely misleading due to the usage of filters, lighting, and editing. So, in some cases, you can ask for real-life pictures or videos of the furniture. There are also brands that provide 3D previews. You can use such features to your benefit.
2. Don’t Ignore Shipping Times
Furniture delivery usually takes time, especially if it is customized. So, you need to confirm the estimated delivery time and ask the store for any chances of delays. Some customers wait for weeks beyond the tentative delivery date.
3. Don’t Forget to Verify Warranty and After-Sales Service
You should also verify if the store offers warranty and after-sales services. Good brands will always provide their customers with a warranty or return policy for any defective item. You can also ask for documentation or official policy links for expensive purchases like beds.
4. Don’t Make Full Payment Without Verification
The final thing that you should avoid is paying the full amount before the delivery unless you are buying furniture from a reputed store. You should specifically avoid this in the case of Facebook-based or lesser-known brands. Instead of paying the full amount, you can use the cash-on-delivery option or request to make partial payments.
You should avoid random sellers with no contact details, customer reviews, or even a physical location.
Tips for a Smooth Shopping Experience
So, to ensure an overall smooth online furniture shopping experience, here are some easy tips you can follow:
- Make sure to communicate clearly when you are talking to the sellers
- Pay attention to the product details, return policies, and delivery timings
- Try to shop during big sales like Eid, Puja, and year-end clearance sales for extra savings
- Some furniture requires assembly, so you should ask if the store provides installation
Conclusion
To conclude, the shopping habits of consumers in Bangladesh are evolving rapidly. They are now opting for shopping online, which is more convenient, even for things like furniture. However, for such big purchases, you need to know about the dos and don’ts of shopping online to avoid disappointments and scams.
FAQs
How do I return damaged furniture purchased online?
Contact the seller or the company’s customer service immediately. You should provide photo evidence of the damage, send your order ID, and provide other necessary documentation. Make sure to follow their return policy as written on their website.
Can I customize furniture when buying online?
Yes. Some brands and sellers let you customize their furniture. You can customize the furniture in terms of fabric, size, and color. However, in such cases, you need to confirm the total cost and delivery time before placing an order.
What are some reliable payment methods for online furniture purchases in Bangladesh?
Some reliable payment methods for online purchases are bKash, Nagad, Rocket, and debit/credit cards in Bangladesh. However, before paying, you should always check if the payment portal is secure.
