How to Buy a Used Sofa

A sofa is often one of the most expensive pieces of furniture that has to be bought for a home. If you need a couch and you are on a tight budget, you may want to consider buying used. There are many good deals, but there are a few important things that you should know before you buy. Read on to learn how to buy a used sofa.

Instructions

1. 

   Decide on your budget. You don't want to waste your time by calling about sofa's that are out of your price range - so have a rough idea of what you'd like to spend.

2. 

   Now it's time to start looking for used sofa. Check Craig's List, your local newspaper, freecycle, etc. Look online or in your local newspaper for moving sales. Often people who are moving will sell everything they have very reasonably.

3. 

   When you start making calls on sofas, ask very specific questions. Ask if the home is smoke-free, ask if there are any pets in the home. Find out how old the sofa is.

4. 

   If it sounds like something that you are interested in, ask if the seller would be willing to email you a picture. This will save you the time of driving to view the couch in the event that it's not your style or color.

5. When you are ready to go look at a used sofa, make sure that you consider safety. Bring someone with you.

6. As you look at the sofa, make sure that you check it very carefully. Look under all of the cushions to make sure that they are not stained or ripped. Even if you were told that their was no smoking or pets in the home, check the sofa for signs of smoke or animals. Check the back and sides of the sofas for tears and scuff marks as well.

7. When you decide that you are ready to make an offer, consider making an offer a little bit below what the seller is asking. That is the beauty of buying used - you can barter a bit before settling on a price.

8. Pay for your couch and take it home. Consider giving in a good cleaning before you use it.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure before you buy, since private sellers don't often have return policies.