Buying used furniture online offers sweet deals, unique finds, and the chance to furnish your home sustainably. But purchasing furniture from online marketplaces or resale platforms comes with a few safety and logistical concerns, from verifying the item’s quality to arranging safe and reliable shipping.Â
Here’s a guide to help you buy used furniture confidently and have it delivered with ease.
1. Choose Trusted Platforms and Avoid Scams
When purchasing used furniture online, it’s important to use reputable platforms and keep an eye out for red flags to avoid scams.
Stick to Well-Known Platforms: Sites like Facebook Marketplace, eBay, and OfferUp have safeguards and reporting systems in place that help protect buyers from fraudulent sellers. Many of these platforms also include user reviews, making it easier to spot reliable sellers.
Watch for Common Scams: Beware of sellers who push for payments outside the platform or offer prices that seem too good to be true. According to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), payment scams are common in online marketplaces, especially those asking for wire transfers or prepaid gift cards​.
Pro Tip: If the seller insists on a quick sale or rushes payment before showing you the item, it’s best to move on.
2. Use Secure Payment Methods
When paying for used furniture online, prioritize payment methods that provide transaction protection. Many online payment platforms offer built-in protections for both buyers and sellers.
Use Verified Payment Services: Services like PayPal and Venmo provide purchase protection, which helps if there’s a dispute. Avoid wire transfers or direct bank payments, which don’t offer the same security.
Pay Through the Platform: If your platform has a built-in payment system (like eBay), use it. This ensures that the transaction is covered under their buyer protection policy, helping you recover funds if issues arise.
3. Verify the Condition of the Furniture Before Buying
Ensuring the furniture is in good condition is essential, especially if it’s an item you can’t inspect in person.
Ask for Detailed Photos: Request high-quality, close-up photos from multiple angles. If the furniture has upholstery, ask for close-ups of seams and cushions to check for any signs of wear or damage.
Request a Video Call: A live video call allows you to see the item’s condition more accurately. This can be particularly useful for spotting stains, scratches, or structural issues.
Ask Questions About the Item’s History: Knowing if the furniture has been stored in a non-smoking home, kept in a pet-free environment, or well-maintained can give you insight into its durability and condition.
Pro Tip: For wooden or upholstered items, ask if the seller has checked for pests, especially bed bugs. Depending on the level of infestation, professional treatment can cost anywhere from $300 to $1,500​.
4. Arrange for Safe and Reliable Shipping with uShip
Once you’ve secured a purchase, shipping large used furniture can feel overwhelming, but uShip makes it easy by connecting you with carriers experienced in transporting furniture.
Create a Listing on uShip: Include key details like dimensions, weight, pickup and delivery locations, and any special handling instructions. uShip’s marketplace then connects you with carriers who will bid on your shipment.
Compare Bids and Reviews: Review carrier bids to find a service that fits your budget and timing. uShip’s platform includes carrier ratings and user reviews, allowing you to choose based on past customer feedback coupled with the bid info you get from carriers.
Use uShip’s Protection Plan: Adding the uShip Protection Plan, our all-risk coverage, at checkout provides an extra layer of security, covering potential damage or loss during transit.
5. Communicate Clearly and Track Your Shipment
Maintaining open communication with your carrier helps ensure that your used furniture arrives on time and in good condition.
Confirm Pickup and Delivery Times: Once you’ve chosen a carrier, confirm the details to avoid scheduling issues. Specify any access requirements or details about your location that the carrier might need.
Track the Shipment: Use uShip’s tracking feature to monitor your shipment’s progress and receive updates on expected delivery times.
Conclusion
Buying used furniture online is a cost-effective, sustainable, and convenient way to furnish your home. By following these best practices — selecting secure platforms, using trusted payment methods, verifying the furniture’s condition, and arranging reliable shipping through uShip — you can enjoy the benefits of secondhand furniture shopping without the usual challenges. Whether you’re buying a vintage piece or a practical addition, uShip’s network of carriers ensures that your new (to you) furniture arrives safely at your door.
TLDR:
Use Trusted Platforms: Stick to known platforms with secure payment options to avoid scams.
Verify Condition: Ask for photos and videos to ensure the item is in good condition.
Arrange Shipping with uShip: Connect with experienced furniture carriers who offer competitive bids.
Add Protection: uShip’s Protection Plan adds peace of mind, covering damage or loss in transit.
With these tips, you’ll be well-equipped to find, purchase, and safely ship the perfect used furniture for your home.
