On average, we spend 1/3 of our life asleep. I want to be as comfortable as possible during that time so I do a lot of research and shopping when it comes to purchasing a new mattress. Mattresses are expensive but it is well worth it to get a quality one. There are some ways to save on your next mattress that you may not have thought of so you can sleep happy and your wallet can too!
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Shop a Mattress Store for a Better Discount
Mattresses can be marked up by as much as 500% so that you can feel like you are getting a great deal when you negotiate the price down. Don’t be afraid to ask for as much as 50% off! It seems that you get a much better discount when you shop a mattress store over a furniture store. There are more managers that have the authority to give big discounts at mattress stores. Furniture stores are largely staffed by sales associates and not as many managers.
Compare Mattresses at Different Stores
Did you know that mattress manufacturers make the same mattress for different stores but they give them different names to make them “exclusive” to that store? You could be looking at the same mattress and not even know it. Once you find a mattress that you like, do some research online to find a mattress that is similar to the one you like: look for number of coils, materials, firmness, etc. You can then compare prices and figure out where you can get the better deal for the same (or nearly same) mattress.
Be Discreet
When you ask for a discount, be discreet about it. Make sure there aren’t any other customers around. A lot of sales people don’t like to openly negotiate in front of other customers. Even if you don’t get a big discount, ask for freebies like: mattress protector, free delivery, pillows, sheets, etc. You won’t know until you ask.
Get the New Box spring
Most places will sell you a set: a mattress and a box spring. You may think you will save by not getting the box spring and that is true but it may cost you in the long run. The mattress and box spring are engineered to work together. Most box springs are only around $100 so it’s not a huge expense. If you need to return the mattress, the store my say it is because you didn’t buy the correct box spring. This could void your warranty and you would be forced to pay for a brand new mattress. Save yourself the headache and get the box spring.
Go in Prepared
Nothing says, ” Don’t mess with me” like a clipboard. Print out some of the mattress research that you have been doing online. Have it all on your clipboard and take notes when the sales clerk is going over the different features. You will look like you know what you are doing and they will be less likely to try and take advantage of you.
Also, take a picture of the tag on your mattress. This will let them know what kind of mattress you have and can help narrow down exactly what you need. If you want to stay with a similar mattress or if you hate the one you have and want something completely different.
Get a Mattress Protector
Nothing will void a warranty like a stained mattress. You don’t have to buy the one they sell in-store, unless you get them to throw that in the deal, you can buy a mattress protector elsewhere. This is a must have item in case you ever need to return your mattress to the store. Plus, it is just so much easier to clean.
Don’t Buy the Day Of
Don’t buy the day you first go in the store, no matter how good the deal, it can always get better. Most sales clerks will go as “low as they can” and then hand you their business card so you can use them when you come back. I always give them my card instead and tell them to let me know when they can offer me the price I want (in a nice way).
Most of the time, they will go back right then and get a manager to give me the price I am comfortable paying or they will call within that week with a better price or deal. They want your business and they will do anything to get it. If not, that’s OK, someone else will.
Don’t Go for the Up sale
Most sales clerks will try to up sale you. Don’t get a King size when you know you need a Queen. Don’t let them flatter you into making a bigger purchase. They will try to get you to buy accessories and all kinds of things you can get cheaper elsewhere. If they are going to throw it in with the deal, then you can get them.
Look Online for Amazing Deals
You can find some great deals on mattresses online. The best part is that most, if not all, of them offer a 30 or even 90 day free trial. It takes your body about a week to get adjusted to a new mattress so you can really see how it will work for you. There are some online only mattress companies that have some really great reviews and their prices are comparable to mattress stores and they even offer discount codes:
- Leesa: Get $75 off and free shipping. Offer a 100 day free trial
- Tuft and Needle: 100 night trial & 100% money back guarantee. Offer a 10 year warranty and free shipping.
Make Sure you Get These:
If you buy a mattress in-store, make sure you ask for the following:
- free delivery and removal of your old mattress
- A warranty (make sure you understand it and ask as many questions as you need to).
- Risk free trial period. They should let you return the mattress for a full refund after so many days, it’s usually 30, I think. You need to actually sleep on the mattress for at least a week to really see how your body will adjust. This is a big purchase, so if you aren’t happy with it, make sure you can easily return it.
These are just a few ways you can feel confident and negotiate the best price to save on your next mattress. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want. The worse thing they can do is say no. Remember, you also catch more flies with honey, so be nice and respectful to the sales clerk. It really goes a long way.
Glenda Hendry says
Just wanted to add that my husband and I spent a pretty penny on an iComfort mattress which is a gel. Be forewarned that over time, it is expected that these gel mattresses will “hollow out” and it most gels can only be rotated, not flipped. It is hard to be sleeping in a hole.
(Feel free to black out name brand if not allowed.)
hewella1 says
Thanks for the tip! That’s good to know.