It's definitely time for a new couch and I can give you a little direction. Do not buy one from a thrift shop or marketplace. You won't come out ahead in the long run. You really don't know what you're getting and it may have bed bugs in it or other pests. You don't know what animal has urinated on it or even kids or incontinent people. If you're going to buy a couch, make sure it's brand new and just what you want and need. You'll have it a long time and even a much longer time if you don't buy used. Treat yourself. You deserve it after all these years with the same couch. This is an exciting time.
I felt exactly the same way you do about sales people and I would just cringe thinking I would have to buy one from a store because of that reason. However when I went to Lazy Boy Furniture, I found just the opposite. I had the nicest salesperson and he didn't pressure me in the least and he let me look without hanging around all the time. It's important when you go in the store to let them know that you're just looking and they can point you in the right direction which they'll definitely insist on doing, but from there you can say I'd like to look at the furniture by myself and I'll let you know if I need further assistance. That's being firm but not rude. I didn't even have to say that but if you do don't feel bad or hesitate to do so. I was not pressured about money or anything. I told them exactly what my budget expectation was in buying new furniture and so I protected myself and got something I could truly afford and got it on a credit plan they have. I had the best experience ever and I would always go back to Lazy Boy. I thought their furniture would be far out of my reach as far as expenses, but I was wrong and it's quality furniture, you may rest assured, and that sets your mind at ease, as well, and they do have a plan that will fit your budget each month, instead of just buying the whole thing and paying the total amount outright. It's very affordable. My daughter and I had the best time there and our salesperson was so sweet and helpful and went out of his way to make sure we weren't pressured. And if you're too worried about it you could even call ahead and say I'm planning on coming in and looking at your furniture but I do not want to be pressured. That's sitting your boundaries and that's perfectly okay. They treated us like family and we laughed and had fun. I wish you the best in your furniture purchasing experience. Let me know how it went.
Nope, something like that, that I’d want to have for a long time, I buy new. Oftentimes there are excellent payment plans available if cost is a concern. As for pesky salespeople, I simply tell them right when I walk in the door, “I’m just browsing but will call you if I need any assistance.”
My current couch, bought new, is 16 years old and still going strong. You very often do get what you pay for.
No. If I was buying a couch, I'd want it new. It's not something I buy every day. And I'm scared of bed bugs so I'd think twice about anything second hand.
Like anything else it depends. You can find some very nice quality refinished or restored furniture for cheaper on those sites and you can find absolute trash brand new.
I would look up some info first like what to look out for for problem spots and things to watch out for. Ask if they were cleaned properly first etc.
A leather couch is less likely to have cooties living in it, but the frame might. Some people buy things and then decide they don't like it or they are moving or whatever. You can get some deals if you search, also no taxes to pay, but then you also need to arrange for someone to deliver it if you are unable to do that yourself, and of course no warranties. I find Marketplace to be kinda fun.
If you want to be certain it is really clean, put it in an enormous plastic bag and seal it, for a week, after spraying it with bug spray. That will get rid of possible bed bugs and fleas.
THEN call in the steam cleaning people....and have them steam clean under the cushions and all over, and deodorize it.
I had a roommate who made me replace a $1000 couch (over 20 years old) with some cheap piece of cheap junk that cost $100 on Facebook Marketplace. I can't even stand to be in the living room now. I told her to leave. That was almost 3 years ago. She destroyed the nicest home I've ever had. The couch was just the last straw.
I would, sure, if I could inspect the item and sit on it first. If it looks to be in good order and doesn’t smell like mold or excessive cleaning agents, why not?
