Using Reviews to Find the Best Furniture Stores

Assessing Fine Furniture Stores with Online ReviewsThis is part of a series of posts on how to buy fine furniture online. Bookmark this page or sign up for our newsletter to learn more.If youre shopping for fine furniture, you know the importance of due diligence, especially if youre purchasing online.

Today we share tips and advice on using consumer reviews to find the best furniture stores for your needs.Use Multiple Online Review SitesYoull find hundreds of consumer review sites. The question is: which ones are credible and trustworthy?

The USA Federal Trade Commission FTC stresses the need to Read Reviews and Be Skeptical when shopping online. Even the most independent review sites can be contaminated with conflicts of interest so check several different sources. Google, Facebook, Yelp, Trust Pilot and Site Jabber are among the most popular online furniture review sites.

Recognize BiasThe FTC has sued companies that posted fake reviews but most phoney opinions fly under the radar. This 1 min FTC video on how to evaluate online reviews shows common forms of bias in reviews. For example the reviewer may be:receiving a free producta paid reviewera competitor of the selleran employee or affiliate of the sellerCompare Disparities Between Review SitesBelow are 3 reviews of an online furniture superstore.

Follow the links to the review sites to see the ratings and comments consumers have submitted. Results are:TrustPilot review average rating of 2 out of 5 based on 459 reviewsSiteJabber review average rating of 2 out of 5, based on 538 reviewsResellerRatings review average rating of 9.49 out of 10 based on over 70,000 reviewsIts quite a disparity, right?

Notice that on ResellerRatings the seller participates as a Merchant Member, monitors feedback, and resolves issues. ResellerRatings is the subject of much criticism from industry ethics proponents. Full disclosure this seller is obviously a competitor of mine.

I apologize for citing them but I had to use someone for an example and they seem big and strong enough to be unaffected by my post. To their credit, theyre certainly better than some online furniture stores, notably this one. Reputation Management is Big BusinessReputation Management is estimated to be a $5 Billion industry within 2 years.

Forbes describes this sector: Part PR gurus, part tech experts, they specialize in providing online makeovers often by burying negative search results and promoting content that accentuates a clients desired image. Hundreds of companies like Hide Bad Reviews have sprung up recently. Need I say more?

Be SkepticalOnline reviews have a major trust problem. Furniture superstores have entire divisions focusing on reputation management. Although its wise to check out online reviews, be skeptical.

Read the sellers responses to both compliments and complaints. Your best furniture stores are likely to be small, specialty companies which you can assess yourself over the phone or in person. Dont rely solely on review sites.

Instead give the store a call to discuss details and get advice. Avoid stores that focus on gaming the online review system. Find a company thats renowned for design, quality and a superior delivery experience.

They are alive & well and living in the USA. ReferencesReviews & testimonials for Vermont Woods StudiosIs that online review site telling you the truth? CNBCThe managers dilemma (a Prisoners dilemma.

where engaging in manipulation is the most rational choice in an increasingly competitive market situation.)This blog is written by your friends at Vermont Woods Studios. Check out our Vermont made furniture and home decor online and visit our showroom and art gallery at Stonehurst, the newly restored 1800s farmhouse nestled in the foothills of the Green Mountains