Beware of custom furniture consumption traps

Custom-made furniture is becoming more popular due to its affordability and ability to meet personal preferences. However, because there are no official standards set by the government for custom furniture, manufacturers often establish their own environmental and pricing guidelines. This lack of regulation has led to some misleading practices in the market, making it difficult for consumers to protect themselves. Through an investigation, the reporter has identified several common pitfalls and offers tips to help buyers make informed decisions.

Trap 1: Incomplete Quotes

The pricing model for custom furniture typically involves the total cost being calculated as: (materials used × unit price) + additional costs for accessories. Unfortunately, some sales representatives only mention the price per square meter of materials and fail to disclose that items like metal fasteners, tracks, and hinges may be charged separately. For example, if a customer wants a sliding door installed, the cost of the door and the track might be added on top of the material price. If not properly informed beforehand, this can lead to unexpected expenses and budget overruns.

To avoid this, it’s important for consumers to ask clearly what is included in the quote. Are all the main components covered, or is the price based only on the primary materials? Getting a detailed breakdown before signing any agreement can prevent future surprises.

Trap 2: Deceptive Package Deals

Many furniture companies offer package deals for entire rooms at lower prices to attract customers. However, these packages often come with hidden conditions. Once the customer signs up, they may find that extra items outside the package or premium accessories are priced much higher. For instance, a package might include a certain number of meters of cabinetry, but if the customer's space requires more, the additional costs could be steep. Even small changes, like switching from a swing door to a sliding one, may result in extra charges. As a result, many consumers end up paying almost the same as if they had bought the products individually.

Trap 3: Substandard Materials

Some manufacturers use different quality materials to create price differences, which can be hard for average consumers to detect. When custom furniture is made, it's easy for unscrupulous producers to cut corners, such as using cheaper panels without the buyer’s knowledge. Since the final product is built on-site, it can be challenging for consumers to spot these issues until after the furniture is delivered.

To ensure better quality and reliability, industry experts recommend choosing furniture from well-known brands. These companies tend to have stronger reputations and better quality control. By doing so, consumers can reduce the risk of falling into these common traps.

For more information about the Chinese furniture industry, visit the official website of Xianghe Furniture City.