Choose the type of retailer that suits your shopping preferences.

When shopping for a new mattress there are countless options, including where to buy your new bedding. Is it better to choose an online retailer or buy in-person? The answer comes down to personal preference. Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons of each.

In-person vs. online mattress shopping

Heading to a brick-and-mortar store offers a traditional shopping experience. There, you can see, touch and experience product differences like firmness levels and pillow tops.

All that in-store selection can be a pro or a con. Some shoppers like having a lot of choices and the ability to try mattresses side-by-side; others find the experience overwhelming and time consuming. Also, testing mattresses in public—even for just a few minutes at a time—can be awkward or embarrassing.

Another element of in-person shopping that could be a pro or con—depending on your preferences—is working with a salesperson. On one hand, a salesperson can answer questions. Also, they may be willing to negotiate a lower price or throw in an accessory like a pillow or mattress cover. On the other hand, some people feel pressured when talking with salespeople and don’t like to haggle. Pricing for online mattresses is straightforward, and there’s no negotiating.

Two clear plusses for online mattress shopping are that choices are simplified, and online retailers usually provide a complete breakdown of materials used in constructing the mattress. An in-store salesperson may or may not have detailed knowledge about mattress materials and construction.

A key disadvantage of buying from an online mattress retailer is that you can’t try before you buy. Knowing this, many online brands have generous trial periods and return policies.

Delivery differences

Free delivery is common but not universal for both local and online mattress stores. However, services diverge once the mattress is at your door.

Delivery teams from traditional stores will bring the new mattress in and set it up wherever you’d like. Additionally, many will remove an old mattress, although there may be an additional fee. If you decide to return the new mattress, usually there’s no extra fee.

Online mattress retailers typically offer free delivery, which covers getting the packaged mattress to your door. Customers pay extra for white-glove service to carry the box inside, set up the mattress and remove an existing mattress.

Mattresses-in-a box can be quite hefty. Depending on size, they weigh anywhere between 40 and 180 pounds. If you plan to set up one of the heavier and bulkier mattresses yourself, you’ll need help from a friend or family member. If you opt for white glove delivery, it may cost up to $200.

Many mattress-in-a-box sellers cover return shipping but not always. Some charge a return shipping fee and/or a restocking fee that may be as much as 20% of the cost.

Before you buy a mattress from any retailer, ask about delivery, setup and mattress removal costs. Also, find out if there are return fees if the mattress doesn’t work for you. Polices vary greatly among sellers.

Sleep trials

Fortunately, most retailers offer a trial period during which you can return a mattress for a full refund if you don’t care for it. Trial periods range from a month to up to a year. Check the fine print on the length of the in-home trial with your retailer of choice. Once the trial window closes returns are only accepted for warranty issues.

If you decide a mattress from either a local or online seller isn’t for you during the trial period, contact the seller. Most companies will arrange a pick up and don’t require original packaging. Again, read return policies carefully before you buy; at least one online retailer requires original packaging to be included with a return. Even if your mattress came in a box, you don’t have to put it back in the box.

An online retailer may also offer an intermediate step before doing a return by swapping out a new top layer to make the mattress more comfortable. If the replacement top layer doesn’t result in the softness or firmness you prefer, they may do a complete exchange or return.

Comparison shop for mattresses

Whether you like shopping in-person or online, comparison shopping will help you save money on a mattress. Specifically, look at:

• Intended use
• Mattress materials
• Trial periods
• Warranty policies
• Delivery
• Return process and cost

Mattress prices range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. When deciding how much to invest, consider how the mattress will be used. It’s worth it to spend more on a mattress that you sleep on every night than one for a guestroom bed used only occasionally. Good sleep is critical for overall health.

If you don’t need the mattress immediately, wait for the next holiday to see if your preferred retailer runs a sale. Also, manufacturers tend to release new models in late spring/early summer, which means you may be able to get a better deal on the last year’s models at this time.

 

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