We've all been there - that exhilarating moment when your new sofa arrives, only to discover it's not quite what you expected. Maybe it's a tad too big for your living room, the color clashes with your decor, or gasp it's just not as comfortable as you'd hoped.
Returning a sofa isn't as simple as sending back a pair of shoes. It's a big, bulky piece of furniture, and the process can be daunting. But don't worry, we're here to guide you through it.
In this article, we'll break down the ins and outs of sofa returns, from understanding different store policies to navigating potential fees and shipping logistics. We'll also share insider tips on how to increase your chances of a successful return or exchange. So, whether you're dealing with a *"doesn't fit" dilemma or a case of "buyer's remorse," we've got you covered.
Can you return a sofa if it doesn't fit?
Having your brand new sofa delivered can be the best day ever… unless the sofa doesn’t fit through the door. Then, it instantly becomes a nightmare.
I've seen it countless times – a customer falls in love with a sofa in the showroom, only to realize it won't fit through their narrow doorway. It's a frustrating situation, but it's often avoidable with careful planning and a thorough understanding of the store's return policy. So what can you do if your sofa doesn’t fit? Can you return it? Find out!
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Check the store’s policy: The first step is to review the store’s return policy. Different retailers have varying policies on returns, including those related to furniture.
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Measure twice, buy once: Before you make a purchase, measure your space carefully. This includes the dimensions of your doorways, hallways, and any tight spots where the sofa needs to navigate.
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Know the return window: Most stores have a specific window during which you can return items. Make sure you’re within this time frame.
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Keep original packaging: Hang on to the original packaging, as many retailers require the item to be returned in its original condition.
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Contact customer service number: If the sofa doesn’t fit, get in touch with the store’s customer service number. Explain the situation and inquire about their return options.
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Potential fees: Some stores might charge restocking fees or require you to cover a return shipping charge.
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Refund your purchase price: Some stores will refund your purchase price if the return is approved. It's important to understand the conditions under which this refund is given.
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Inspect for damaged or defective merchandise: If the sofa sustained any damage during the delivery process, document it with photos and always document any issues in writing on the delivery paperwork or the equivalent. This can be useful in case you need to negotiate a return or exchange.
So if you need to return items from that Pottery Barn sectional you loved so much in the store, suddenly what seemed like an affordable couch can become a financial struggle when you factor in the return shipping and handling fees. Try to avoid this at all costs!
What to do if you hate your new couch or it is defective merchandise?
What’s worse than your couch not fitting into your home? Your couch not fitting into your aesthetic. Why is it worse? Well, now you don’t have an easy excuse for why you need to initiate a return. We know the bubble couch looked better online, but that excuse isn’t necessarily going to fly when you call customer service.
Sometimes, a sofa just doesn't feel right once it's in your home. Maybe the color isn't quite what you expected, or the comfort level isn't up to par. The key is to act quickly and document any issues. The sooner you contact customer service, the better your chances of a smooth resolution.
So what can you do?
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Review return policies: Begin by checking the store’s return policy. Understanding their guidelines for returning furniture is the crucial starting point.
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Within the return window: If you’ve just received your new couch and realized it’s not your cup of tea, ensure you’re within the specified return window. Different stores have different timeframes.
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Document the issues: Identify specific reasons why you’re unhappy with the couch. Is it the comfort level, color, style, or something else? Document these issues as it can help your case.
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Contact customer service: Reach out to the store’s customer service. Communicate your concerns and reasons for wanting to return the couch.
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Keep original packaging: It’s usually required to return the item in its original packaging. Keep it intact until you’re certain about the return.
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Potential return fees: Some stores might charge restocking fees or expect you to cover the return shipping costs.
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Refund for purchase price: If a return is approved, the store will typically issue a refund for the purchase price of the couch. Be sure to ask about the conditions under which taxes and other charges may be reimbursed. Inspect the couch upon arrival to avoid any issues.
Remember, your quest to find the ideal couch might involve a few twists and turns, but you’re on a path toward creating a living space that truly speaks to your style and comfort preferences.
Can I get a refund for my sofa?
The answer? Maybe! It always depends on the store where you bought it. Many retailers will offer some sort of refund depending on the timeframe. Online vendors need to cover shipping costs (believe us, it isn’t cheap to ship a sofa), and handling charges and fees, so that might come out of your potential refund. And let’s pray that Crate and Barrel couch is refundable if you end up hating it.
The answer to this question is a bit tricky. It depends on the store's policy, the reason for the return, and even the timeframe. That's why it's so important to do your research
before you buy. Don't be afraid to ask questions and get clarification on the return process.
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Understand return policies: Familiarize yourself with the store’s return policy. Each store has its own set of rules and timeframes for returns, especially for final sale items.
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Within the return window: If you’re within the designated return period, you’re in luck. Many stores accept returns within a specified timeframe from the date of purchase.
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Reasons matter: Most stores will want to know why you’re returning the sofa. Document your reasons, whether it’s about comfort, style, or a flaw in the product.
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Reach out to customer service: Contact the store’s customer service team. They’re there to assist and guide you through the return process.
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Keep the original packaging: Hold onto the sofa’s original packaging. It’s usually required for a smooth return process.
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Return fees: Some stores may deduct restocking fees or require you to cover the return shipping costs.
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Pickup arrangements: If the return is approved, the store will coordinate the pickup of the sofa. Ensure you’re available during the scheduled pickup time.
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Refund process: Once the store receives the sofa and verifies its condition, they’ll initiate the refund process and refund your purchase price, but be aware that shipping or pickup fees are often nonrefundable.
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Payment method matters: The refund is typically processed through the same payment method you used for the purchase. Be prepared for the refund to reflect in your account within a reasonable timeframe.
The most important step is researching online order and whether or not the store offers refunds or exchanges.
Return Policies: What You Need to Know Before You Buy
When purchasing a couch, understanding the manufacturer's warranty and return policy can save you from potential headaches down the road. Different retailers have varying rules, fees, and conditions for returns, which can significantly impact your buying decision. In this section, we’ll explore the return policies of popular brands like Bob’s Discount Furniture, Lovesac, Sabai, and others to help you make an informed choice.
I can't stress enough how important it is to understand a store's return policy before you make a purchase. It's not just about whether or not you can return the sofa, but also about potential fees, timeframes, and other conditions. Knowing this information upfront can save you a lot of hassle and heartache down the road.
Navigating Return Policies: A Quick Guide to Wayfair return policy
Buying a sofa online or in-store can sometimes lead to unexpected surprises. Maybe the couch doesn’t fit through your door or match your home’s aesthetic as you hoped.
Remember, every store is different. Some have incredibly generous return policies, while others are a bit more strict. Do your research beforehand, so you know what to expect if you need to make a return.
Here’s how to handle returns and what to expect from different brands:
Costco Furniture Return Policy
Costco’s “100% Satisfaction Guarantee” is particularly reassuring for big-ticket items like sofas, allowing returns if the item doesn’t fit, the color is wrong, or you simply don’t love it. With no strict time limit on returns, you have ample time to decide, unlike many retailers with 30-day windows. Costco's return policy is known for its generous and seemingly unlimited return practices, emphasizing customer satisfaction and the company's commitment to refunding purchase prices.
Recent trends show that competitors have tightened their return policies, making Costco's more lenient approach stand out even more. This has led to various viral customer return stories shared on social media. Returns can be made either by bringing the item back to a warehouse or initiating an online return, with Costco arranging pickup for larger items. Notably, most refunds include delivery fees, and their helpful customer service ensures a smooth return process.
Ashley Furniture Return Policy
Ashley Furniture offers flexible return options based on the purchase method, with different return windows for standard deliveries, in-store and online purchases. Each Ashley HomeStore location, being a franchised business, may have its own specific return policies, making it essential to inquire about return terms at the time of purchase. For online purchases with standard shipping, Ashley Furniture return policy gives you a 30-day window, allowing you some time to assess the sofa. Additionally, Ashley Furniture’s clearance sales offer significant savings, although these items are typically final sale, providing a budget-friendly option for shoppers.
Bob’s Furniture Return Policy
For items ordered online and shipped via FedEx/UPS, Bob’s Discount Furniture offers a brief 3-day window for returns, with the customer responsible for return shipping costs. For larger furniture items ordered online, like sofas delivered or picked up at a Bob’s store, returns are typically only accepted if manufacturing defects are discovered. Bob’s Furniture return policy underscores the importance of careful decision-making during the shopping process, a common practice among value-based retailers like Bob’s.
Lovesac
Lovesac allows returns or exchanges of eligible items within 60 days of receipt for a full refund, providing pre-paid shipping labels and parcel pickups upon the receipt upon request. However, custom fabric covers, which are made to order and not part of the 30 Quick Ship options, are non-returnable and can constitute a significant portion of the couch’s cost. Returned items can be placed in original or any suitable packaging, with Lovesac also offering boxing services if needed.
Sabai
If you’re dissatisfied with your Sabai sofa, you can return the complete seating pieces (not just cushions or legs) within 30 days of delivery. Returns must be in original, undamaged condition, free from dirt, hair, or pet dander. Sabai only accepts returns from the continental United States, excluding Alaska, Hawaii, and Canada. Shipping fees are non-refundable, and refunds are processed after the returned item is inspected, taking 3 to 10 business days, with crediting to your account in 5 to 7 days. Returned items are sold at a discount through Sabai’s Open Box Return Program to minimize waste.
Living Spaces Return Policy
Living Spaces allows returns of regular stock items within 7 days of delivery, but be prepared for a 10% restocking fee. Custom special orders, such as customized sectionals, are not returnable. Items must be disassembled and returned in their most original condition and packaging. Delivery fees are non-refundable, and if you need Living Spaces to pick up the item, you will incur an additional fee. Return shipping fees apply to items received via Standard Shipping and Home Delivery.
Wayfair Return Policy Furniture
Wayfair provides a 30-day return window for most sofas, allowing you to change your mind within this period. However, returns of merchandise must be in their original, undamaged condition, which can sometimes be subjective, especially with larger items. Be prepared to cover return shipping costs, which can be significant for bulky furniture. You have the option to refuse delivery if you notice any major issues right away, although you’ll likely still incur return shipping fees. Additionally, be cautious of items marked “Non-Returnable” on the product page, often indicating custom orders or clearance items, which are not eligible for returns. For assistance with returns due to damaged merchandise or defective items, contact the customer service number listed within a specified time frame after delivery.
Check out our ultimate brand reviews to learn more about couch return policies for specific brands,
Remember these things in case you need to return your couch:
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Always inspect your couch as soon as it's delivered. If there's any damage, refuse the delivery or contact customer care immediately.
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Keep all the original packaging until you're sure you're keeping the couch.
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If you have any problems, don't hesitate to contact customer care. They're there to help!
By being proactive and informed about return policies, you can make your couch buying experience smoother and ensure you’re prepared if you need to make a return. Whether shopping at Bob’s Discount Furniture, Lovesac, Sabai, Costco, Ashley Furniture, Living Spaces, Wayfair, or another retailer, knowing these details about return requirements can save you time and money.
