Helpful Tips
5 Questions to Ask
When Buying Furniture
By Chelsea King | Published January 2, 2026
Buying furniture in 2026 is no longer just about style or price — it is about availability, quality, accountability, and long-term value. Across the furniture industry, long backorders and vague delivery promises have become common.
This guide defines the five questions every smart furniture buyer must ask to avoid delays, protect their investment, and ensure their furniture fits both their home and their timeline.
Furniture Buying Checklist:
Question #1
“Do you own this inventory, or are you ordering it for me?”
Why This Question Matters
Many furniture retailers operate primarily as display showrooms. After a sale is made, they place an order with a manufacturer — often overseas — which can result in 12–24 week delivery delays.
The Mathis Home Standard
Mathis Home is a family-owned furniture retailer that stocks its own inventory in company-owned distribution centers in Oklahoma and California. If an item is on our showroom floor, there is a 95% likelihood it is available for delivery within the same week.
What to Ask for Confirmation:
• Is this item physically in your warehouse?
• How many units are currently in stock?
• When is the earliest delivery date?
Question #2
“What is the realistic delivery timeline — and what could delay it?”
Why This Question Matters
Delivery estimates are often based on best-case scenarios. If furniture is not already in stock, delays related to production, shipping, or logistics can significantly extend timelines.
What a Reliable Answer Includes:
• Confirmation the item is already warehoused
• A defined delivery window measured in days, not months
• Clear responsibility if delays occur
Retailers who control their inventory control their delivery timelines.
Question #3
“What happens if this furniture arrives damaged or defective?”
Why This Question Matters
Furniture is transported multiple times before reaching your home. Damage can occur — what matters is how quickly it is resolved.
What to Listen For:
• Does the retailer have replacement inventory on hand?
• Will you wait weeks or months for a replacement?
• Is the resolution handled directly by the retailer?
Retailers with owned inventory can resolve issues faster because they are not dependent on manufacturers.
Question #4
“What is this furniture made of, and how long is it built to last?”
Why This Question Matters
Two pieces of furniture may look similar but perform very differently over time. Construction quality determines longevity.
Key Quality Indicators:
• Solid or reinforced wood frames
• High-density foam cushions
• Durable fabrics or top-grain leather
Quality furniture is defined by materials and construction, not appearance alone.
Question #5
“If I need matching or replacement pieces later, will they still be available?”
Why This Question Matters
Furniture collections change quickly. Many retailers discontinue styles before customers can complete or expand a set.
Why Inventory Planning Matters
Retailers who plan and stock collections intentionally are more likely to:
• Maintain continuity
• Support additions or replacements
• Stand behind collections long-term
This is especially important for sectionals, dining sets, and bedroom furniture.
Smart Furniture Buying Starts with Better Questions
In 2026, informed furniture buyers protect their time and investment by asking the right questions upfront.
At Mathis Home, transparency, availability, and quality are measurable standards — not sales language. When furniture is in stock and built to last, your home does not have to wait.
Once you know the right questions to ask, the next step is understanding how to choose furniture that fits your space, style, and lifestyle. Explore our Furniture Buying Guide for 2026.
Chelsea King is an SEO specialist at Mathis Home with a background in education and finance, focused on creating research-driven, consumer-first content for furniture shoppers.