Save money on furniture!!!!

[DaveInPgh]

I just saw a Levin commercial announcing an upcoming sale with discounts up to 56% off!!!!

WOW!!!!!

Ok, so this is not an announcement of a furniture sale, but that commercial is what sparked this thread.

So what is my tip for saving money on furniture? Estate Auctions!

Prior to becoming parents, my wife and I were going to auctions sometimes as much as 4 days a week. We frequented auctions for items to sell on eBay and we did really well with what we viewed as a hobby.

Like most people there, we sat through items we had no interest in while we waited for the items we wanted to bid on. Driving a small size SUV did not present an opportunity to shop for furniture at auctions. But it really didn't matter what was up for bid, I loved following the action and that allowed for me to make observations and learn.

What I learned relative to this topic is that you are likely to get into a bidding war for a great piece of antique furniture. However, when the modern (crap) furniture comes up for bid the action is near non-existent. What I observed was jaw dropping. I have seen barely used furniture sell for 80 to 90% off their retail. If you can make do while you hunt at auction, then you will save a bundle on furniture.

[bjl584]

I just picked up a really nice TV stand from a girl off of Craigslist.

She was moving and listed several items for sale. I needed a decent TV stand for my den/man cave. It looked to be about $200 new. I got it for $40.

[DaveInPgh]

I just picked up a really nice TV stand from a girl off of Craigslist.

She was moving and listed several items for sale. I needed a decent TV stand for my den/man cave. It looked to be about $200 new. I got it for $40.

Yeah, that is another great source for great deals on furniture.

[FLA]

and freecycle. When I was moving and just had to get rid of some decent stuff but really fast, freecycle did the trick. Some people got some fabulous finds.

[FLA]

oh and Facebook garage sale pages have furniture often

[james.hendrickson]

The great thing about Craigslist is that if you are patient and shop hard you can pick up some free stuff through the "free" section of the website. Some of the quality is little more than junk, but you can find some better deals in rural or richer parts of the country.

The other bonus is, of course, that you can come and get people to take away your old stuff. : )

[snafu]

I've been going to auctions for years ! Lots of entertainment provided both by auctioneer, staff and patrons. Many focus on different types of merchandise and attract different types of buyers. We've an auction outlet that primarily offers returns or damaged packaged items from Costco. They offer photos online two days in advance so we can all preview the hundreds and hundreds of items. They also offer quality, gently used furnishings from consignment stores and a bit from general public. You really need to know prices as a high percentage is bid up beyond the original Costco price as everyone gets so into the excitement of it all.

We've two auction outlets that buy abandoned storage units. Everything is dirt cheap unless 'stagers' are on the prowl or doing up new, funky restaurant motifs. Once a month they do 'estate' or 'hotel' auctions and offer preview photos on their online sites.

If you see something you'd like to bid, you need to know the rules of the auction house. Generally, you can preview one day in advance, get a bidding number, leave your CC details and your offer that does not include their fee or sales tax if applicable. If you are the highest bidder you will get the item[s] one increment higher than the last offer, often even lower than amount you offered as it works out. However, you miss all the fun and adrenaline rush of auctions. They are strict about pick-up rules so you need a transportation plan.

We've also auction outlets that are more like consignment stores, selling high end merchandise, imported antiques and 'targeted' auctions. Between them there is usually an auction every other month but one might be jewelry and crystal, another paintings and silk carpet or furniture from Italy or Britain. These mostly have 'reserve' price so even if the turnout is lousy, there's little chance of big bargains.

Likely more than SA participants want to know but truly great bargains if you're buying, easy out if you're selling.

[GoodSteward]

The best deal I ever got on furniture was over craigslist. A man was getting a divorce and selling some stuff. I got an 800$ commercial grade computer desk and hutch(price checked on amazon) for 100$. It's all he wanted for it. He got it from an estate sale.