Bring the online quotes back to the local places and see if they can match or improve their offer. Tell them you want to stay local and ask if can they work with you on the deal.

They will be right there to assist you if there are any problems. Yes, there are bad local stores just like there are bad online vendors. But the local store supports the local community - paying salaries, paying taxes, etc.

I tried!!! I called both local stores (there are only 2 that carry this collection) and gave them the quote. I told them I didn't expect them to beat it or even match it... I just wanted to know if they could come down on their price. AND they both said they will not compete w/ online stores.... so it's either "buy online" or pay a thou$and more and buy local. Online is winning.....

That's too bad. I've had a local store do a match before, actually they came down to $200 more and it was worth it to stay local. I was glad I did, when the furniture had issues a few months down the road. The store sent their furniture restorer to our house and we worked things out.

Did you go to the local stores in person and talk to someone in charge?

i've bought from north carolina stores and from lexington furniture co...over the phone before their online websites became so big...saved a ton of money...i don't think i would buy local again- i saved well over 2k...prob closer to 3k. all the companies i dealt with were great- no problems.... i would of course make sure they're a reputable store first!

Bought a Lexington armoire from High Point Furniture Sales online. I checked with a local store before ordering and they weren't willing to make a deal. I saved over $800 even with shipping. The top piece of the armoire was damaged in shipping and a replacement was sent. The store even hired a local furniture repair person to make some door adjustments once we got it set up ... all at their expense.

I bought a mirrored buffet and our TV console online. No issues at all. I know we saved quite a bit of money on both. Both came in perfectly.

That's too bad that they won't price match. Basista is a real brick and mortar store, not an internet presence. It's the end of April, I would have no problem with waiting until July for the pieces I want. I just ordered a couch (locally) and expect to wait 8 weeks for delivery.

I did that with my Lexington BR pieces. I got quotes online, and then the local dealer matched it. This was through the store manager. She was not happy and said the online stores were not supposed to do that based on their agreements with the manufacturer (probably UMRP), and shouldn't even provide quotes. This is about 10 years ago, so things may have changed.

OTOH, I was quite impressed and then bought other things from them besides the BR pieces.

I have used www.furniturelandcouth.com in the past. They were amazing!!!

I've purchased a sofa, ottoman, and 2 leather recliners from a S. Carolina store/online company (Elite Furnishings) with no problems whatsoever. Of course, I thoroughly inspected it upon delivery. I had wonderful customer service with great communication, and saved 45% from what the locals out here in WA were charging. I would order from them again in a heartbeat.

American Express is great if there is a problem no matter what color card you have, but you still will have to go through the hassle of writing your side of the story and go through numerous phone calls and wait time while your claim is being processed. I would go into the local stores in person as chispa suggested.

Check the name and search with reviews in google to see what others say about them. Also make sure too read the fine print on there terms and conditions before ordering.

If it were me, I'd probably wait the extra time and go with a store I'd already had dealings with - but I'm fairly cautious.

Just thought I would update... I did purchase my Bernhardt bedroom set from MK Home Design and it was a flawless transaction. I would recommend this company without hesitation. :) All pieces were received within the timeframe quoted and all in perfect condition. I am thrilled. While I wish I could have gone w/ the local company, the money saved was well worth it :)

We've bought furnishings on line with the same success. As a matter of fact, I just bought Grohe fixtures for our master bath from various resources on line vendors and saved a bundle. Love shopping without getting in and out of the car. You just have to know exactly what you want.

I agree. I don't mind spending more to buy at local businesses. I just ordered tile for our bath update and spend more than I could have gotten it online, but the store is a locally-owned business.

OTH, I priced a faucet and toilet at a local plumbing supply and their price was $500 more for the exact same items than I could get it online. That's too much difference for me to go local. I admit I didn't ask the plumbing store to match the online price but mainly because it was so much.
Dee