Shopping for a new sofa should be fun, not a headache! Okay, maybe just a little bit of a headache when you have to haul the old one away. But that's beside the point. Let's take a look at Ashley Furniture's customer service and how they try to make the buying process a little less stressful. It’s a good step before you Google Ashley Furniture coupon code or that promo code that gives you Ashley Furniture 10 percent off your first order promotion.
“As an industry, we’ve got to make sure our websites are great; we’ve got to make sure we’re on the social media channels they’re on. We have got to make sure our product is relevant, and we have to make sure our stores are exciting. Our stores have to be more contemporized than ever before. That’s a big shift that we’re seeing in the marketplace,” said Ashley Furniture CEO Todd Wanek.
Ashley Furniture's Warranty:
- They offer a multi-tiered warranty. The Ashley Furniture warranty covers different parts of the sofa for different lengths of time. This kind of system is pretty common in the furniture industry.
- Frame coverage is the strongest: The "Lifetime Limited Warranty" on frames (used in upholstered and leather products) is a good thing. While "lifetime" usually refers to the expected life of the sofa under normal use, it still shows that Ashley stands behind the structural integrity of their sofa frames.
- Upholstery coverage is limited: The 1-year warranty on upholstery (leather and fabric) is on the short side. Wear and tear, fading, stains, and most types of accidental damage aren't covered. It's important to understand that furniture warranties generally don't cover everyday wear and tear.
- Cushion warranty is decent with a slight catch: The 3-year warranty on cushions sounds good, but note that it's prorated after the first year. That means Ashley will cover only a percentage of the replacement cost if your cushions fail later on. This is fairly common in the industry, however, as virtually no one has an unconditional warranty on cushioning.
- "Labor Coverage" is a bonus: Ashley will cover labor costs for repairs during the first year of the warranty period. This is more generous than some other furniture brands, who may charge labor fees even for warranty repairs. Love it.
- Reguard plans extend coverage beyond the manufacturer's warranty: Ashley Furniture's own sofa warranties have limitations. A Reguard protection plan can potentially cover accidental damage that wouldn't be covered by the standard warranty – things like spills, stains, rips, or certain types of breakdowns. We always recommend purchasing extended warranties at Couch.com.
Ashley Furniture's Return Options:
- Flexible options based on purchase method: Ashley Furniture offers different return windows depending on whether you buy a sofa in-store or online. This caters to shoppers who prefer the convenience of online shopping or the personalized touch of a brick-and-mortar store.
- In-store support for personalized guidance: Each Ashley HomeStore location has its own return policy for sofas. This is because Ashley Home Stores are a franchised set of businesses with different rules set by different ownership groups. This can be a positive if you prefer to talk directly to a salesperson and get a clear understanding of the specific return terms before you buy. Just remember to ask about their policy at the time of purchase!
- Risk-free trial period for online purchases (with standard shipping): If you purchase a sofa online with Standard Shipping, you have 30 days to return it if it doesn't work out in your space. While the window isn't huge, it does give you some time to assess the sofa and make an informed decision.
- Clearance sales can save big: Ashley Furniture has special clearance sales on sofas, which can be a great way to score a deal. While these items are typically final sale, the significant savings can outweigh the return flexibility for budget-minded shoppers.
Ashley Furniture's Delivery Options & Costs:
Delivery options to match your needs: Ashley Furniture offers a range of delivery methods so you can pick what works best for your sofa and your budget. Here's a quick rundown:
- Standard Shipping: This is a budget-friendly option for smaller sofa components or accessories. Think of it like getting a package delivered by UPS or FedEx. You'll get tracking updates, and some items might even qualify for super-fast 1-day or 2-day shipping. Just keep in mind that you might need to do some assembly yourself.
- Doorstep Delivery: This is a good option if you're on a budget or you have a handy friend who can help you move the sofa inside. Ashley will deliver your sofa to your doorstep or, in the case of apartments, potentially the building's lobby. From there, it's up to you to get it inside and set up.
- No-Hassle Delivery + Assembly: This is the ultimate white-glove service! The delivery crew will bring your sofa into your room of choice, assemble it for you, and even remove all the packing materials. This is a great option if you don't want the hassle of moving or putting together a giant sofa yourself. However, as with most white-glove services, expect to pay a premium for this convenience.
- Costs can vary: Delivery fees depend on the service you choose, the size and weight of your sofa, and potentially even your location. The key takeaway? Be sure to get a clear breakdown of the delivery costs before you finalize your sofa purchase. This will help you avoid any surprise charges on delivery day.
Ashley Furniture's Financing Options:
- Ashley Furniture doesn't force you into a single type of financing, which is a good thing. You might qualify for different financing plans based on your credit and the size of your purchase.
- The Ashley Advantage™ Card is the key: This is Ashley's store credit card, issued through Synchrony Bank. Think of it like a credit card that works exclusively for Ashley Furniture purchases.
- Short-Term Promos vs. Long-Term Plans: With the Ashley Advantage™ Card, you'll usually see options for shorter, interest-free periods (like "6 months special financing") alongside longer-term plans where you pay interest. Be sure to read the fine print on those "no interest" offers – sometimes there are penalties if you don't pay the whole balance off within the promo period. Still, huge retailers like Ashley are privy to some of the best financing options and programs in the industry.
- Lease-to-own is an interesting alternative: Ashley partners with Acima for lease-to-own financing. This works differently than a traditional loan. Lease-to-own can be an option if you have less-than-perfect credit but still need a sofa, but it's important to understand how it works before you go this route.
Is Assembly Required?
- As with most furniture manufacturers, it's likely that you'll need to do at least a little assembly, even with a fully upholstered sofa. This usually involves attaching the sofa legs, or potentially connecting sections of a sectional sofa together.
- No-Hassle Delivery + Assembly makes life easy: If the thought of assembling a sofa fills you with dread, this service is a lifesaver! Ashley's delivery team will deliver the sofa, bring it into your home, assemble it, and even haul away the packaging.
Ashley Furniture's Customization Options:
Their focus is large-scale production, not customization. Ashley Furniture's model is to produce big batches of popular furniture styles. This helps them keep prices lower, but it also means they don't generally do custom Ashley Furniture couches. Instead of changing the fundamental design of a sofa, you might be able to select from a few different things like:
- Fabrics: Some sofa collections offer a choice of upholstery fabrics and colors.
- Configurations: You might be able to choose between a traditional sofa, a loveseat, or a sectional, all with the same style and fabric.
- Size Options: If space is a concern, check whether the sofa you like comes in smaller or larger sizes to better suit your room.
Does Ashley Furniture Offer Free Fabric Swatches?
- Ashley Furniture's website often suggests contacting your local store for fabric swatch options.
- Your first step should be to contact the Ashley HomeStore closest to you. Ask if they have the specific sofa you're interested in on their showroom floor and whether they can provide a fabric swatch. Ashley HomeStores are independently owned franchises, so each store has its own inventory and policies.