[I think this question has a range of factual answers, so I put it in GQ. Mods, feel free to move it if you think it’s more appropriate for IMHO.]
I need a new bed. Glancing through the classified ads, I notice several which purport to offer brand-new king and queen-size beds, with delivery, for what seem to be ridiculously low prices. For example:
*BD - $155/Queen pillowtop set new in plastic
Can del [telephone number]
BD- $250/King Dbl Pillowtop Set
new/plastic, can dlvr [telephone number]*
So what’s the catch? I know next to nothing about beds, per se – I’m assuming, for example, that “dbl pillowtop set” is a good thing to have. Is it just that these beds are likely poor-quality, or what?
Were I to call the phone numbers and inquire, what questions could I ask to ensure I was getting a decent quality bed?
I didn’t go to your link, but I have seen where a freight company doesn’t get paid for a large shipments of beds, so takes possession of them. They sell them cheap to recoup the freight fees, and the new buyer sells them for a profit, which is still cheaper than the original MSRP. I would also assume that these are lesser quality beds (knockoffs, 2nd quality, etc.).
Hey there Gadarene~ hope the District is still treating you well!
You hit both answers.
Poor quality:
Take some time to do some in-person shopping. Try out the mattresses at Hects, the Mattress stores, etc. Be sure to hit some low-end furniture places too. Same descriptions (i.e. pillowtop) but much different feel, to say nothing about the longevity of the bed. Also keep in mind that words like ‘pillowtop’ refer to… to… well, to about nothing. A wee bit of extra fabric, and there you have it.
Think about the worst hotel (or dorm) mattress you’ve ever slept on. Now wrap it in plastic. There you go.
Or What:
Ugh… mattress shopping, used car shopping, or stereo shopping. In general, all tend to have cheesy promotions, salespeople, and tactics. When you go into a mattress store, be prepared for the up-sell.
If you’re going to be in your place for a while (or will be moving the mattress when you leave) take your time shopping and don’t skimp unless it’s absolutely necessary. A good bed will go a looong way towards happiness. A grand spent there is a grand well spent, especially if you spread the figure out over five years or so. Good luck!