Furniture sites often show a large crossed-out price next to a low sale price. This checklist uses the US Federal Trade Commission's pricing guides, credited below, and applies it to a real retailer. It is general information, not legal advice.
1. Treat the crossed-out price as a claim
The FTC Guides Against Deceptive Pricing (16 CFR 233.1) say a reduction from the advertiser's own former price is legitimate only if the former price was the actual, bona fide price at which the article was offered on a regular basis for a reasonably substantial period, and that an artificial inflated price makes the bargain a false one. Judge a sofa by the sale price and by comparable products.
2. Price the return
Bulky items cost a lot to ship back. Look for the seller's return shipping estimate and compare it with any banner that says free returns. If they differ, ask in writing.
3. Read the assembly rule
Many furniture sellers refuse returns of assembled items, which means you cannot fully test a sofa before committing. Decide how much you can check while it is still in the box.
4. Plan for freight delivery
Large items often ship as freight over 7 to 15 business days and need space to receive. Measure doors, stairs and the room first.
5. Know how damage claims work
Some sellers tell buyers to file damage claims with the carrier. Photograph the pallet and note damage on the delivery receipt before signing.
An example: checking a seller against the list
In our WJS Home review we applied these questions. The seller shows crossed-out prices about three times the sale price, its banner promises free returns while the policy charges $60 to $160 and more, and assembled items cannot be returned.
A note on the sources
The FTC is the US consumer protection agency, and its guides are general guidance, not a ruling about any seller. We wrote this article in our own words. Some links to brands on this site are affiliate links; see our affiliate disclosure.