Purchasing furniture sounds simple until you try to do it. There are lots of styles, prices and sales techniques. Knowledge is the key to a good experience, so here you go.

1. Dealer Negotiated Furniture Discounts - Dealers mark up their furniture something fierce. If you want to get a better deal, it is not particularly difficult. Just ask them! If that fails, offer to pay in cash and watch their eyes light up.

2. Trying Out New Mattress - You are going to sleep on the mattress for a long time. Lay down on it in the store just like you would at home. Lay there for 10 minutes or so to make sure it does the trick.

3. Signatory Furniture Pieces - When shopping for furniture, be careful about falling in love with high priced pieces attributed to a particular designer. Ask for a certificate of authenticity. If the dealer refuses or comes up with an excuse, it is a fake.

4. Coil Mattress Guidelines - With coil mattresses, the more coils there are, the better. 540 is usually the top count and an excellent mattress.

5. MDF Labels - Look out for MDF on furniture labels. While the salesperson may be trying to tell you it is solid wood, MDF means it is medium density fiberboard.

6. Soft Aniline Leather - If you really want to go with luxury leather furniture, look for aniline leather. It is the best and softest. Nap time will never be so good nor will reading a book.

7. Stripping Furniture Finish - If you are a do it yourself kind of person, you need to know what you are getting into. Stripping the finish off furniture sometimes does not get rid of the color. Make sure you know before spending the time.

8. Finding A New Mattress - If it is time for a new mattress, you need to try them out. Make sure to wear slippers or flip flops so you are not constantly taking shoes on and off.

9. Furniture Delivery Times - Once you buy new furniture, you may think it will be delivered in a few days. You might be wrong. Get specific details on how long it will take. Some stores can take weeks and even months.

10. Potpourri and Furniture - As strange as it may sound, potpourri will destroy the finish on your furniture. Don't even sit the bag on it.

To effectively buy furniture, you need to be able to do some mental imaging. A piece in a store may look great, but will it look good in your home? The answer may be no, so make sure to visualize before buying.

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