Have you ever stumbled upon the perfect vintage dresser online? That gorgeous Mid-Century Modern credenza that would make your living room sing? The thrill of the hunt for unique, well-crafted vintage furniture is undeniable. Chairish, a curated online marketplace for vintage and antique pieces, offers a treasure trove of such finds. But before you click “buy now” on that irresistible velvet sofa, let’s dive into five common mistakes you should avoid when buying vintage furniture online, specifically on Chairish.
Table of Contents
- Mistake #1: Not Checking the Condition Carefully
- Mistake #2: Ignoring Measurements and Dimensions
- Mistake #3: Overlooking Shipping Costs
- Mistake #4: Assuming Authenticity Without Provenance
- Mistake #5: Not Understanding Chairish’s Return Policy
- Bonus Tip: Researching Styles and Designers
- FAQ Section
Mistake #1: Not Checking the Condition Carefully
Falling head over heels for a vintage piece is easy, but don’t let those heart-eyes cloud your judgment. Remember, you’re buying pre-owned furniture, so wear and tear are inevitable.
- Scrutinize every photo: Zoom in, look for scratches, dents, stains, or signs of repairs. If a picture is worth a thousand words, make sure these photos tell the right story.
- Read the description thoroughly: Pay attention to how the seller describes the item’s condition. Are they vague or specific? Do they mention any repairs or restorations?
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions: If you have any doubts, reach out to the seller. Ask for clarification, request additional photos, or inquire about the piece’s history.
- Understand Chairish’s condition ratings: Chairish uses a rating system to help buyers understand an item’s condition. Familiarize yourself with these ratings and what they mean before you commit to a purchase.
Mistake #2: Ignoring Measurements and Dimensions
That stunning Art Deco armoire might look perfect in the listing photo, but will it actually fit through your doorway? Avoid the heartbreak of a piece that doesn’t work in your space by measuring everything.
- Measure your space accurately: Use a tape measure to determine the dimensions of your room, including doorways, hallways, and stairwells. Don’t forget to account for existing furniture.
- Compare furniture dimensions carefully: Check the listing for the piece’s exact height, width, and depth. Make sure it will fit comfortably in your chosen spot, leaving enough room for traffic flow.
- Visualize with Chairish’s “Try It In Your Space” feature: Chairish offers a tool that lets you see how a piece might look in your actual room. Upload a photo of your space, and the tool will superimpose the furniture item, giving you a better sense of its scale.
Mistake #3: Overlooking Shipping Costs
Shipping a vintage sofa across the country can be significantly more expensive than picking up a new one from a local store. Factor in shipping costs before you fall in love with a piece.
- Understand Chairish’s shipping process: Buyers pay for shipping on Chairish. Sellers can choose to offer white-glove delivery service (handled by Chairish), or they can opt for self-shipping.
- Estimate shipping costs carefully: Unfortunately, Chairish doesn’t have a built-in shipping calculator, making it challenging to get an exact quote upfront. Research the cost of shipping similar items, consider the piece’s size and weight, and factor in insurance.
- Consider local pickup options: If you’re close enough to the seller, explore the possibility of picking up the item yourself to avoid shipping costs altogether.
Mistake #4: Assuming Authenticity Without Provenance
Are you eyeing a rare Eames lounge chair? When dealing with valuable antique or designer furniture, authenticity matters. Don’t take the seller’s word for it – ask for provenance.
- What is provenance?: Provenance refers to the documented history of a piece, tracing its ownership and origins. It’s crucial for verifying authenticity, especially for high-value items.
- Request provenance from the seller: Ask the seller for any documentation that supports the piece’s authenticity, such as original receipts, appraisals, restoration records, or historical documents.
- Be wary of red flags: Vague descriptions, lack of documentation, or inconsistencies in details should raise a red flag. If the seller is hesitant or unable to provide provenance, proceed with caution.
Mistake #5: Not Understanding Chairish’s Return Policy
Imagine a beautiful vintage mirror arriving with a crack. Before you hit “purchase,” familiarize yourself with Chairish’s return policy to know your options if something goes wrong.
- Review the return policy thoroughly: Understand the eligibility criteria, timeframe for returns, and who is responsible for return shipping costs. Chairish does have a return window, but it’s not as generous as some other online platforms.
- Note any exceptions or limitations: Pay attention to any specific items or categories that are excluded from the return policy, such as custom-made furniture or items marked as “final sale.”
- Understand Chairish’s Buyer Guarantee: Chairish offers a Buyer Guarantee that covers certain issues, like damage that occurs during shipping.
Bonus Tip: Researching Styles and Designers
The world of vintage furniture is filled with captivating styles and renowned designers. Expand your knowledge to make more informed choices.
- Explore different vintage styles: From Mid-Century Modern to Art Deco to Hollywood Regency, each style has its defining characteristics. Learn to identify these styles and find the ones that resonate with your taste.
- Learn to authenticate designer pieces: Familiarize yourself with common maker’s marks, labels, and other signs that can help you verify a designer piece’s authenticity.
- Utilize Chairish’s filters: Chairish allows you to filter your searches by style and designer, making it easier to find specific pieces.
FAQ Section
Q: Does Chairish offer discounts?
A: Yes, Chairish offers sales, promotions, and coupons.
Q: Can I negotiate prices on Chairish?
A: Yes, you can submit offers to sellers, but they are not obligated to accept.
Q: Are there any hidden fees on Chairish?
A: No, but be aware of the commission Chairish takes on each sale.
Q: How long does it take for a Chairish order to ship?
A: Shipping times vary depending on the seller’s location, shipping method, and the size of the item.
Q: What if an item arrives damaged?
A: Chairish’s Buyer Guarantee covers damage that occurs during shipping.
Q: Can I sell my vintage furniture on Chairish?
A: Yes, Chairish welcomes new sellers. They have a simple sign-up process, and while they do have commission fees, they handle the shipping and payment process, making selling a bit easier.