4 reasons why a mattress store beats online retail

There has been a lot of buzz in the last year about direct-to-consumer mattress companies. These e-retailers have no sales staff, no storefronts, and (supposedly) no additional expenses; they exist entirely on the Internet, selling their products directly from the factory. While the convenience of online shopping has seeped into almost every aspect of modern commerce, from clothing to entertainment to groceries, is it really smart to spend hundreds of dollars on an item so vital to your health and well-being, without seeing it?

1. The myth of not scoring

One of the main claims of direct-to-consumer companies is that bypassing the ‘middle man’ (the salesperson at the mattress store) saves the consumer money by reducing the profit margin. The myth is that if the customer is not good at negotiating, he could end up paying more than the item is worth. However, this works both ways. If the customer comes to the store prepared, he is likely to walk away with a great deal. Sellers generally work on commission, meaning they’re prepared to take money off the sale price if it means they’ll make the sale. Smart shoppers can use this to their advantage and walk away with a fantastic product at a fraction of the cost.

2. Customer Service

No matter how much research has been done, most people still feel like they need a little guidance when it comes to spending a large sum of money. Mattresses are not only expensive, they are also supposed to last for years. Therefore, it is essential to find the right type for a client’s specific body type, sleep style, health and wellness. While it’s possible to email or chat online with an e-tailer representative, there’s nothing better than being able to have that conversation in person with an experienced salesperson. Also, if something goes wrong with the product or the customer needs more help, they can always go back to the mattress store and find qualified personnel available to help.

3. A range of options

The main goal of web-based stores is to make the buying process look simple. As such, most companies offer only one style of bedding in various sizes. This simple and straightforward transaction sounds appealing at first, but not all bodies are created equal. Not all consumers will be happy with this stock standard, a style that suits most. The type of mattress a person needs depends on a wide variety of factors, including the customer’s age and sleeping position, whether they have any allergies, and what part of the country they live in. (A heat-trapping mattress is great for cold climates, but not so great for desert or tropical areas.) Furniture store showrooms offer a variety of options not to confuse the customer, but to help them make an investment that will give them the best. night’s sleep possible.

4. Try before you buy

The biggest benefit of shopping at a physical mattress store is being able to try out the bed before making a purchase. Most people don’t feel comfortable saying goodbye to big wads of cash without first trying out the bed. While customers aren’t encouraged to spend the night in the showroom, lying down for a couple of minutes still gives a pretty good idea of ​​the feel and comfort. No matter how good the e-tailer’s return policy is, direct-to-consumer companies rely on the assumption that most people don’t bother to return a bulky, cumbersome item. Buying without seeing the item in person is a big risk to save a few hundred dollars, and that’s assuming the company and its products are legitimate.

At the end of the day, it’s nice to have options. It is good to know that if one needs to order a new bed without leaving the house, it is possible to do so. For some things, though, an old-fashioned in-person transaction is unbeatable. At a minimum, it’s worth stopping by your local mattress store to compare their offerings with what’s being offered online.