How to Shop for Recliners Online vs. In Stores: The Pros and Cons

Where should you shop for your perfect recliner – online or in furniture stores? Both options have unique benefits and downsides. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare the experience and perks of recliner shopping online versus buying in-store.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

Let’s dive in and determine where you’re likely to find your dream recliner at the best price!

Trying Before You Buy: Test Driving Online vs. In-Store

One of the biggest advantages of in-store shopping traditionally has been the ability to see, touch, and physically relax into recliners before committing. But many online retailers now offer ways to “test drive” chairs virtually or through free at-home trials.

In-Store Test Drives

Walking into a furniture showroom allows you to test out as many recliners as you wish. You can:

• Feel and compare upholstery fabrics in person
• Determine if the cushions provide enough support
• Try all the features like massage, heat, and recline
• Identify if the size seems right for your space
• Experience how easy it is to get in and out

The downside is showroom lighting often doesn’t represent what a recliner will look and feel like at home. And aggressive salespeople may pressure you into a quick purchase before you’re ready.

Online Test Drives

While you can’t physically sit in an online recliner, many retailers help you “digitally” experience chairs:

• Browse 3D models you can spin and zoom for detailed views
• See real customer photos for a sense of true size and fabric close up
• Watch video reviews of features and test drives by real owners
• Receive free fabric swatches by mail to feel upholstery
• Use sizing filters to see only chairs meeting your dimensions
• Take advantage of 100-day+ trial periods to test out at home

For online recliner shopping, savvy retailers make up for the lack of in-person testing through detailed product information and extended trial periods.

Comparing Selection and Customization

Another consideration is selection – are you more likely to find “the one” with the right size, features and style online or in stores?

In-Store Selection

The selection at local furniture stores can be limited to brands and models they have contracts with. You’ll only find what’s available on their showroom floor. If you’re looking for something specific, the odds of finding it locally are slim.

On the other hand, being able to browse live inventory makes what is in stock clear. You won’t have to deal with out-of-stock issues that can happen when ordering online.

Online Selection

Shopping online opens up thousands of recliner options across brands at your fingertips. Retailers like Amazon, Wayfair, Overstock, and direct furniture sites carry expansive inventories.

You can filter and sort by your exact specifications like size, materials, features, brands, and more. However, wider selection online can also be overwhelming. Online descriptions may not provide the level of detail a hands-on experience does.

Customization Options

One advantage of shopping online is retailers that offer full custom recliners. Brands like Lay-Z-Boy allow you to select:

• Exact upholstery type, color and pattern
• Cushion firmness and fill
• Base and leg finishes
• Optional features like USB ports
• Size and dimensions

You can tweak each element to create a tailored recliner unique to you. Local stores have minimal customization beyond picking pre-configured floor models.

Shipping, Delivery, and Setup

Getting a recliner home is a major part of the shopping experience. Here are the differences in online versus in-store shipping and delivery:

In-Store Delivery

With local showroom purchases, recliners can often be delivered within days from their warehouse. Many stores offer:

• Free or low-cost delivery within certain radius
• Curbside drop-off or full in-home delivery
• Old furniture removal and cleanup
• Assembly and setup in desired room
• Ability to inspect before signing for delivery

Downsides are having to stay home during wide delivery windows and dealing with recliners that arrive damaged.

Online Shipping

ordering online, most recliners ship by common freight carriers. This typically includes:

• Free shipping or flat rates under $100 in most cases
• Curbside delivery on your doorstep
• 7-10 business day delivery estimates
• Ability to track shipping status
• Self-assembly required upon arrival

Online delivery takes longer but grants you more flexibility without waiting at home. However, self-assembly and dealing with shipping damage is a trade-off.

Return Policies and Guarantees

Will you have an easier time returning or exchanging a poor quality or incorrectly delivered recliner purchased online or in-store?

In-Store Returns

Local retailers accept returns and exchanges, but often under strict conditions. Most:

• Only allow returns that are unused/like new
• Have a short 15-30 day return window
• May charge hefty restocking fees
• Require you repackage and bring back to the store

Unless defective, returning or exchanging in-store purchases is rarely straightforward.

Online Returns

Top online retailers tend to offer more flexible return policies:

• No-risk 100-day trial periods
• Free pickup of returns from your home
• Full refunds allowed on unused items
• Only pay return shipping on large furniture
• Easy self-service returns portal

Thanks to extended trial periods and at-home pickup, online returns are generally far easier than returning to a store.

Haggling Over the Price and Final Costs

Scoring the best deal often involves negotiating the price down. But is that easier online or in physical store settings?

In-Store Price Haggling

With in-person shopping, you can try leveraging deals like:

• Asking salespeople for discounts off sticker prices
• Price matching a competitor’s offer
• Seasonal sales around holidays like Labor Day
• Negotiating extras like free delivery or warranties
• Using coupon codes published in flyers or emails

The success of haggling depends heavily on the retailer and salesperson’s policies and discretion. Results vary wildly.

Online Price Comparison

Online, dynamic pricing shows you the lowest price across retailers. You can easily:

• Sort products from low to high price
• Use price filters to comparison shop
• View price histories using Camelcamelcamel
• Get price drop alerts when the price decreases
• Use sites like Honey that automatically apply coupon codes

Online shopping support tools enable effortless deal hunting compared to tedious in-person haggling.

Making the Final Decision: Online or In-Store?

Now let’s summarize the major pros and cons of buying recliners online versus in furniture stores:

The Verdict?

While local stores were once the only option, online shopping now enables more informed buying, bigger selection, easier returns, and better prices. Combined with at-home trials, free shipping, and virtual browsing, purchasing recliners online beats in-store in most scenarios.

However, if haggling and immediate gratification are priorities, brick-and-mortar showrooms may still hold some appeal. Weigh the pros and cons for how you like to shop. Your perfect recliner awaits – happy deal hunting!