Stickley Furniture Discounts

[drcollie]

In today's economic climate, 50% off retail is considered a good & fair normal selling price. Be aware that manufacturers are increasing MSRP's so the dealers can offer deeper discounts in their ads. I refuse to play that game in my store and will never advertise like that, it goes against my moral compass.

One of the things I've tried to convey over the years on on-line posting is for you - the retail consumer - to LEARN what makes a good piece of furniture and approach each piece from each maker asking questions as to how its made. Then you will know if that sofa with the $ 4,000 price tag on it is worth four grand, or if its built to the level of a $ 2,500 sofa. By and large, when you run to the sale advertising 40% to 60% off MSRP, you have 'Sucker' written all over your forehead and the stores that advertise like that know it. Know your product, know the build, know the covers...then YOU decide based on the style of the piece if there is value in the price.

I was amused at the Baker Factory Showroom in High Point NC this week, as I was being 'escorted' around the showroom by their lead sales lady who is there all the time (the Baker showroom stays open year 'round). She could not answer my questions on build content of the pieces - and she was the showroom manager! Rather she reverted to "This was designed by world famous designer Micheal Smith, who just completed the Obama re-design and also just finished Cindy Crawfords home." Well, that's great but I'd still like to know what the underlayment is below the veneer on that $ 18,000 dining room table. And why do the 'exact replicas' of important period pieces have plywood drawer bottoms and machine-cut dovetails? I left the Baker showroom totally unimpressed and know they sell more 'sizzle' than 'steak'. But I know this because I've spent the time learning what makes good furniture - and that's the only way you're ever going to be an smart buyer.

Don't buy on price, or advertising, buy on content and value for the dollars spent.