Shopping for homeware online can be plenty of fun, not to mention cost-effective and a great way to save time. However, not all online outlets offer the services users have come to expect from reputable websites, such as free domestic delivery. Below are a few guidelines and tips for choosing an online homeware outlet that will not leave you disappointed.
Most reputable outlets offer free domestic shipping and international shipping at a fee. If you have to pay for domestic shipping, the bargain you thought you found could quickly turn into an expensive buy which cancels out any savings you could incur by shopping online.
Since you can’t actually touch and see the product in a real-world setting, check the website’s returns policy, just in case the product that ends up on your doorstep is not exactly what you thought you were getting.
Bedding and soft furnishings
A good online homeware outlet should have detailed imagery and specifications to give you the best possible idea of what you’re buying. When it comes to bedding and other soft furnishings, specifications to look out for include the following:
- Manufacturer – if you’re not buying from a single manufacturer or designer’s site
- Dimensions
- Fabric composition, thread count, denier – whichever of these is applicable to the product
- Washing instructions
Cutlery
Buying cutlery online can be particularly tricky, since you can’t hold the utensil in your hand to feel if it’s a comfortable fit for you, but if you’re buying from a reputable outlet with a reasonable returns policy, you can trust that you will most likely be happy with the transaction either way. Some specifications to look out for when buying cutlery and other utensils online include:
- Manufacturing material – the more detail provided about the construction, the better
- Is it dishwasher safe?
- Do they offer any guarantees?
Appliances
If you’re looking to buy electrical appliances online, it would be wise to buy from an outlet that allows for returns and perhaps even offers after sales support, since you won’t have the benefit of a trained sales person to tell you all about the unique traits of the product. Specifications to look for in this category include:
- Brand – it’s easier to make a decision if you’re buying an item made by a reputable manufacturer
- Capacity
- Type and manner of fuel or power usage – wattage required
- Dishwasher safety
- Storage – can the product be dismantled for cleaning and storage purposes?
Glassware
Shopping for glassware online can be very effective – you will have an abundance of styles and designs to choose from – but this type of product comes with its own range of specifications to check:
- Composition – if it says crystal, you should be given some guarantee or certification that you are truly buying crystal products
- Care instructions
- The type of packaging in which it will be shipped
- Size and capacity
Besides the product categories mentioned above, you can find many other types of homeware at online outlets, including products like baking utensils, kitchen gadgets and tools, storage, lighting, ornaments, tableware, cooking utensils and even sewing and knitting products. The main thing to keep in mind is to check the information provided by the outlet when buying homeware online. When you find a reputable website, you might be surprised at the variety of products and attractive prices on offer.
Julia wrote this article after buying a variety of homeware online