DFS Sofas & Paying cash vs interest free credit

TinTin_57

Hi

We are looking to buy a 3 seat sofa, 2 chairs and footstool from the DFS range here

http://www.dfsonline.co.uk/sofas/lea...159/2513/0/all

Having read various reviews both here and elsewhere on the web we thought we'd visit various DFS showrooms to see if we got different twaddle off different salesmen about the same range. We're happy that we have found what we want but I always get a sweat on when I've to buy something of a certain value and the total here is £2130.

First question is, has anyone reading already purchased the Donnington sofa? Is it ok?

The second thing I wanted to ask was about cash versus the 4 year interest free offer they do. I always like to pay things off there and then and even though it's interest free for 4 years I don't like having debts hanging about and going through credit checks etc etc. I do have the money available to pay in cash but with cash do you lose any rights over other payment methods? With cash should I be able to get the price down by a few %?

Cheers
TinTin

vansboy

What you need to remember about this type of company, is that furniture sales only forms part of their business.

The fact that 'interest free' finance is offered, in reality the cost is built into the priceof the product sufficiently enough for them to do this type of promotion.

So this simply means they DONT want your cash deals!!

In fact, they get paid pretty much as soon as the inks dry, on the finance agreement - even before they've made the sofa!!

Are you sure you cant find what you want from a more conventional furniture retailer?

At a 'genuine' price!!

VB

derrick

If you do decide to pay by cash, I suggest that you use a credit card, then pay off the CC when the bill arrives, that way if anything goes wrong down the line and DFS won't play ball, you have the CC card company to involve via Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act

TinTin_57

Thanks for these replies. The credit card is a good idea and is what I would normally do so I may give it a try. I might at least get a few extra cushions or something from them.

Derrick, I noticed you are from Preston as I am. Not used DFS on the docks by any chance have you?

derrick

TinTin_57 wrote: »

Thanks for these replies. The credit card is a good idea and is what I would normally do so I may give it a try. I might at least get a few extra cushions or something from them.

Derrick, I noticed you are from Preston as I am. Not used DFS on the docks by any chance have you?

Have PM'd you.

daveyjp

"First question is, has anyone reading already purchased the Donnington sofa? Is it ok?"

As a comparison of quality go to somewhere known for selling quality - John Lewis, M&S or similar and ask them what you need to look for and do the following test yourself:

Hold the front bottom right corner of a three seat sofa. Lift it about 3 inches. Is it heavy - i.e. difficult for you to do alone? It should be.

When you are lifting what does the other corner do? It should lift the same amount - if not the frame is lightweight.

Once you have done the test on a well built sofa go back to DFS and do the same test to see how they compare.

Inactive

My friend works at DFS, all he does all day and every working day is repair the suites that they have sold.

They are cheap and nasty suites sold at a premium price.

If you knew how little they buy them in at, you wouldn't go near them.

phead

TinTin_57 wrote: »

Hi

The second thing I wanted to ask was about cash versus the 4 year interest free offer they do. I always like to pay things off there and then and even though it's interest free for 4 years I don't like having debts hanging about and going through credit checks etc etc. I do have the money available to pay in cash but with cash do you lose any rights over other payment methods? With cash should I be able to get the price down by a few %?

Is it in the sale?? no-one buys from any furniture store when its not sale time.

and yes, the interest free is worth 200-300 quid if you invest that cash over the 4 years, so you have to get a good discount make it worth while to be buying cash. Even if you don't want the 4 years I would put it on a credit card, it gives a second avenue of guarantee with the cc company, and makes sure the money is safe before delivery.