The Ultimate Guide to Smart Shopping on Wayfair, Amazon & Beyond!
Why are furniture marketplaces so difficult to navigate? We spoke with Steven Ting, an e-commerce veteran, whose insights paint a clear picture of how to shop.
Alex Back | Couch.com CEO & Founder
We independently select everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission.
Online furniture shopping has revolutionized how we furnish our homes, but it's a world filled with complexities and nuances. To demystify this space, we spoke with Steven Ting, an e-commerce veteran, whose insights paint a detailed picture of this ever-evolving marketplace.
About Steven Ting: Steven is an e-commerce veteran with over 20 years of experience in the field and most of it in the furniture space. He has worked in many different parts of the industry, from retail to marketplace to wholesale, with some high level positions at amazing companies like Houzz, Cymax and Homelegance. His specialty and expertise is working with some of the bigger marketplace models in the furniture space and has a unique knowledge base and perspective to share with the Couch.com community.
What is white labeling? And why is it so popular in couches?
In the enigmatic realm of online furniture retail, white labeling is a common yet little-known practice. Brands often sell identical products under different names across various platforms. This strategy helps retailers avoid direct price competition and cater to different market segments. Understanding this can empower consumers to make more informed comparisons and choices.
Is there brand awareness in furniture?
Unlike sectors like fashion or electronics, the furniture industry suffers from a lack of brand recognition. This results in a unique market dynamic where product quality, design, and value take precedence over brand names. It challenges consumers to focus more on the product specifics and less on the brand's prestige.
How do I choose the best couch marketplace?
Each online marketplace has its unique flavor. Amazon offers a vast range of products, including furniture, but it can be overwhelming. Wayfair, on the other hand, specializes in home decor and furniture, providing a more focused and curated shopping experience. This specialization allows for a more tailored search, suited to specific home furnishing needs.
What tips do you have for online shoppers?
Steven emphasizes the importance of diligent research in online furniture shopping. Using tools like reverse image search can uncover the same product at different prices. He advises paying close attention to the dimensions, materials, and functionality of furniture, as these are critical for satisfaction and are consistent across different listings.
How do I navigate all of the sales and discounts in furniture?
Understanding the sales cycle of online platforms can unlock significant savings. Each major retailer has its own schedule of sales and promotions. Keeping an eye on these can help in snagging a great deal. It's not just about the discount but also about the timing and the platform chosen.
Steven's point? Ultimately, by being more informed, consumers can navigate this complex market with greater confidence and efficiency.
Alex Back
Couch.com CEO & Founder
Alex Back is the founder and CEO of Couch.com. Previously, he was the co-founder and COO of the popular furniture brand, Apt2B, which was acquired by a large US retail furniture chain in 2018. He worked to integrate Apt2B, one of the very first online furniture retailers on the Shopify platform, into the operations of the 100 year old larger business entity and was deeply immersed in the business operations of both online and brick and mortar retail for 4 years before leaving in 2023 to start Couch.com. Working in various parts of the furniture industry since 2004, he has 20 years experience in retail sales, e-commerce, marketing, operations, logistics and wholesale manufacturing and distribution. He has worked extensively with partners such as Costco, Bed Bath and Beyond and Amazon and his work has been highlighted in many publications such as Forbes, CNN and HGTV, among others. Alex is delighted to bring his experience and authority on couches and the furniture industry to this platform, along with many of his industry colleagues who are helping him keep the Couch.com audience informed and engaged on a daily basis.
