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.
