How To Buy a Mattress Online: 5 Essential Factors to Consider and 2 Red Flags to Avoid

Everyone knows how to walk into a store and shop, but online shopping, for some us, is an entirely different ballgame. It can be hard to navigate the internet if you’re not used to doing so, which makes online mattress shopping a nightmare.

It doesn’t have to be, though. By considering a few factors and avoiding certain red flags, you can reduce some of the stress of online mattress shopping.

What To Consider

Return Policies and Charges

Before you click ‘purchase’ on a mattress you found online, be sure to consult the information section of the web page. Here, you’ll find an outline of the return policies and a description of any charges that would be applied if you did return the bed. Most online retailers have lower fees than traditional stores and will pick up and transport your mattress for free, but some will want you to box your mattress before they pick it up or ask you to pay some sort of return fee.

Delivery Charges

Many online retailers offer full-service delivery. If you’re buying a mattress from a local retailer, they might even offer free moving, meaning that there’s no charge for them to bring the mattress into your house and assemble it for you, if necessary.

Others may limit the level of service to front-door delivery. Sometimes there are charges for delivery to certain locations or a general delivery charge that must be paid by all customers.

Warranty

Whether you’re buying in store or online, a good warranty is important. Depending on the retailer, your mattress could have a warranty of anywhere from 6-25 years.

Trial Period

Since trying out your new mattress in person is rarely feasible when you make an online purchase, many retails will offer a trial period. During this period, you can sleep on and use your new mattress as you would any other. Then, if you decide that it’s not for you, you could send it back for either a refund or an exchange.

Red Flags to Avoid

Extended Compression

For shipping purposes, mattresses tend to be compressed or vacuum sealed. There’s nothing inherently wrong with this, however, it’s worth asking your retailer how long before shipping your mattress is compressed.

If you find out that your mattress has been compressed for more than two to three months, consider purchasing elsewhere. Keeping a mattress compressed for too long can damage its shape retention properties.

No Trial Period

Being offered a trial period is good for peace of mind. This being said, a company that doesn’t offer a trial period is one that could be avoided if being able to return your mattress risk-free is important to you.

With any luck, the factors to consider and two red flags we’ve highlighted above will prove beneficial during your virtual mattress shopping spree. Remember to be mindful of warranties, delivery charges,  return policies, and trial periods and to be careful when using companies that keep their mattresses compressed or don’t have a trial period.