As you browse the internet for a new mattress, don’t be surprised if you come across sites that allow you to buy in just three clicks. The majority of these companies offer free delivery and, in some cases, even set up an exchange program where they will take your old mattress away for free.
It sounds like a dream come true, but before you get too excited, there are several things you should know about buying a mattress online. Here are some of the pros and cons of purchasing your new mattress on the internet.
Pro: Wide Range of Options
When you shop online, you have access to a much wider range of options. With mattress stores being almost non-existent in some countries like Japan and Korea, their residents often purchase online. It allows them to choose from several ranges and models at one time instead of visiting countless stores.
Households that move around a lot also benefit from buying mattresses online since this is far more convenient than looking for places that sell the best beds or hoping that they will carry the brand/model you want.
Pro: Lower Prices
In many cases, you will find that buying a mattress online is much cheaper than going through a traditional retail store. One of the main reasons for this is because they do not have to worry about paying rent and other costs associated with maintaining a physical location. With fewer employees needed, you can expect to see lower prices across their entire product catalog.
Pro: Check Reviews Easily
One of the best things about buying a mattress online is that you can easily access customer reviews. It allows you to see what others who have purchased the product think, which can be very helpful in making up your mind and knowing whether or not it will work out for you.
Pro: Quality Mattresses with the Latest Innovations
Since many eCommerce businesses have been around for a while, they have more time to plan and invest in better technologies. Most online mattress stores offer a similar warranty period as traditional shops, but they use quality materials with the latest comfort and support technology advancements.
Pro: Shopping is More Convenient
Today, the majority of individuals are busy, which is why they prefer to shop online. You can compare models and prices in your spare time, especially when you order it for free home delivery without leaving your house. Some sites allow you to see what other shoppers have chosen, so you know who has made a similar purchase before making up your mind.
Con: You Don’t Get to Try it Out First
One of the main problems with buying a mattress online is that you cannot try it out beforehand. Since there is no way for customers to find the right feel until after setting up their bed at home, this might be harder than expected, especially if you are not used to sleeping on memory foam or latex types.
If possible, it is a good idea to seek out a nearby showroom so you can check out their products and see what’s available.
Con: No One Will Guide You Through Your Choices
Even though there are many review sites and forums where you can ask questions, it is still difficult for consumers to make an informed purchase without someone they can speak to. It becomes a problem since there is no way for them to feel the difference between models and choose based on need, instead of what looks nicer or more expensive.
Con: Poor Customer Care
Another problem with online shopping for mattresses is that you are at the mercy of customer care services. Some businesses deal with their customers well, which can be frustrating if they do not answer your emails quickly. It also becomes an issue when you need to return or exchange an item since it can take weeks or even months before getting proper help.
Con: No Free Trial Period Offered
Many traditional retailers allow you to return your mattress during the first month as long as you have not made significant changes, such as cutting off the tags or seals. Since eCommerce stores do not have physical locations, they tend to set a limit of 30-90 days when returns are accepted. It may be too short for some people, especially if they buy online because it’s cheaper, and later find that the mattress is too firm or soft for them.
Con: Return and Refund Issues
Since you cannot try out your mattress beforehand, you may overlook issues with the craftsmanship of the product. Some online stores also have stricter policies on returns and refunds, which can be a problem, especially if they do not provide shipping labels for this purpose or take more than 7-10 business days to process your claim.
Takeaway
Even though buying mattresses online has many benefits, such as lower prices and access to reviews/forums, you must still consider some challenges first before making an actual purchase. While it may be possible to save money by purchasing from an eCommerce store, you need to consider if having your mattress two days sooner is worth the risk that comes with buying something unseen and un-tried.