Focus groups tell us that buying furniture is still one of the most stressful decisions that consumers make today. There are a myriad of reasons for this; having to make decisions about quality, price, timely order processing, style, and size constraints. However, the most common fear is "Am I getting a value for the money I am spending?" This is unequivocally the most important and difficult to answer question.

Someone recently brought to my attention an ad for a sofa from 1973. The top caption of the Ad read "You would expect to pay $635.00 for this sofa, here's why ours is two hundred dollars more." The ad went on to explain why the sofa was worth the difference in cost. If you have recently priced furniture, you know that the furniture industry is in a severe state of deflation. While this may be much chagrinned by furniture executives, it should be reason to celebrate for most consumers. But be forewarned, just as cost of your purchase has declined, it is very likely that so has the quality. While there are still a lot of goods being sold today for $999.00 and up, (some way up) there is a plethora of sofas being sold for $499.00 and even lower. Why is this?

There are a number of reasons. Primarily, retailers today constantly buy goods to promote furniture at lower price points to feed a public that has come to expect furniture to be less expensive than it once was. So the question remains, how can this be done? By way of example, no one would expect to pay less now for a car, home, clothing or food than they did in 1973, why furniture?

One of the primary reasons is the influence China has had on American commerce. Labor is remarkably cheap there, so products and product components' are being produced at a fraction of the cost of domestic goods; all things from cut lumber, springs, foam, and woven cloth are all imported and driving prices down. Couple this with manufacturer's cutting cost by using cheap and inferior components, (domestic and abroad) and what you end up with is a sofa that resembles many others, but is far cheaper. And for good reason, it is.

So how do you know, as a consumer, if what you are buying is a value? There are a few solid guidelines to help you determine if the product really is good quality, regardless of your budget. This information is readily available, even from the most inept salesperson. So if the information is not listed on the furniture, ask your salesperson.

• Check the warranty. This is an excellent indicator of what the company puts into the product. For example, the company I work for offers a limited lifetime warranty on frames, springs, and cushion cores. The furniture you buy should be able to be used and used hard, lived in and on. Now, this does not mean that junior should be able to ride his trike into the side of the sofa without effect, or if you inadequately tie it down for the ride home and it falls off the truck that it will withstand the abuse. It does mean, however, that under normal usage the sofa should stand up for your family. Companies that give time restrained or no warranties speak volumes about what they expect from their product.
• Spring construction. All springs should be at least 8-gauge. Whether "Sinuous" or 8-way hand tied, the size and strength of the spring will determine the durability. Regardless of what kind of "normal" usage you put your furniture through, no one deserves to fall through their sofa, finding themselves on the floor surrounded by dust bunnies, stale popcorn, and other unidentifiables.
• Cushion cores. All cushion cores should be at least 1.8 density foam with a Dacron wrap. If you end up with less, in no time you will find yourself getting lost in what has become a Grand Canyon depression in the cushions themselves. An experienced rock climber will find it no easy feat to get into and out of your precious sofa.
• Fabric durability. All mills test their fabrics using a machine that performs what is called a double rub test. The fabric is rubbed against itself a series of times. As soon as the fabric shows wear, the machine stops and the double rubs are counted. Never buy a fabric the will not withstand at least 25,000 double rubs. This is classified as "Medium wear". Other wise, you will be able to see through the cover in no time. While this may be acceptable for a Paris Hilton dress, it is not for your furniture.

Now if you are shopping at a place where they do not sell at least this level of quality, the sales person will do everything possible to dissuade you from what you know, and convince you that none of that matters for whatever reason. Just know that you are being played. If he were honest, he would just say "It's $499.00 what do you expect?!!"

Obviously goods that are being produced with better components, and more skilled labor, will be more costly. However, you don't have to spend a fortune to buy good quality furniture. Expect to pay between $699.00 and $1299.00 for a sofa. You can obviously purchase cheaper furniture, just be aware, the old adage is true; "You do get what you pay for".

If you are in the market to buy something that you wish only to last a year or so, feel free to buy that $399.00- $499.00 beauty. If, however, you are looking for something more than disposable furniture, something that will last and be comfortable while it is in your home, be prepared to spend a little more. The extra dollars spent divided by the additional time you can enjoy your purchase, will prove to be money well spent.

Hope this helps! Now, go enjoy your experience and don't let anyone push you around!!

Gregory Curry has 25 years experience in the furniture industry.