Nothing is more relaxing than snuggling into bed after a long day. But buying a mattress? That event is almost ZERO parts zen. There's much to consider when hunting for the centerpiece of your bedroom -- but the mattress-buying process doesn't have to be a nightmare. Here's a quick briefing that will ensure your shopping trip is as smooth as a midday nap. There is indeed a "cheapest" time to buy. Most experts recommend purchasing a mattress near a holiday -- like Presidents Day, Labor Day, the Fourth of July, and Memorial Day -- or in the month of May, when mattresses are usually marked down in showrooms. In January, you can start prepping for your mattress purchase at "white sales," which are deeply discounted sales for bedding. Higher prices does not mean better sleep. One of the biggest complaints when buying a mattress is price, and figuring out why they cost so damn much. This is usually attributed to large markups, which depends on the brand. We recommend staying in the $500 to $1200 range, as anything over that price doesn't necessarily indicate better quality or better sleep, and probably has the same amount of cushioning and support as more expensive mattresses.
You can negotiate your price. Though it may surprise most people, it is possible to negotiate the price at most of the bigger mattress chains. Robin Wilson, an eco-friendly interior design expert, says that if you bargain "at a department store, you might be able to get tax taken off the mattress price, or delivery for free." You'll also have a better chance of getting a discount or redeeming a coupon if you go to the store to purchase a mattress, rather than buying online. "Firm" mattresses are not the same "firmness" everywhere. Yes, labels may tout a mattress's level of firmness, but one brand's "firm" may be another brand's "soft," according to Consumer Reports Expert Shopper Tod Marks. "The only way to determine if the cushiness and the firmness is right for you is to lie down on the bed and try it for yourself," he says. It's harder to return a mattress than you think. Most mattress retailers (from IKEA to Tempur-Pedic) will allow you to try out your mattress for up to 90 days, but they differ on the amount of money you'll get back if you return it.
Other stores require an exchange fee or disposal fee, which can cost hundreds of dollars. There are organic options. The squishy foam on mattresses is often made from petroleum oil, which (not surprisingly) can cause health problems for some. Organic mattress brands like Keesa use their own foams that put plant oils into the mix. While they may be more costly, all-natural mattresses are worth it, says Wilson. "We spend one third of our lives sleeping," she explains. "Consider your mattress a health investment." You can order a mattress online as easily as you can order a pair of shoes. Yup, you'll find mattresses right in the Amazon store, many listed with free shipping. And a whole new suite of boutique mattress retailers (like the newly-popular Casper) operate solely online, sending mattresses to your door in a nice, neat box. These new online retailers often allow returns for a full refund, without any fees or charges whatsoever. But the old standby brands -- which you might find on discount sites like Overstock -- likely won't do the same, so it's smart to go test them out in a store first.
You don't need to buy your mattress from a brand you've heard of. The aforementioned Casper is an online retailer that aims to ease everyone's mattress-buying headache with a 100-day trial period and sleek design. Other sites like Saatva (which has an eco-friendly focus) and Novosbed (which also boasts free delivery, free trial periods and free returns) also deliver to your door in a snap. Hop on the bandwagon, because this is the future of mattresses.There are manuals and instruction guides for just about everything in life, and now there’s one for shopping, too. Before you head to the checkout line, follow these tips to always get the best price on your purchases at Macy’s. Macy’s — one of America’s best-known department stores — sells apparel, shoes, handbags, small kitchen appliances, bedding, home decor and more, and offers shoppers a wedding registry and catalog. It’s known for its hallmark “the magic of Macy’s” slogan. Shopping is fun, but shopping and saving is even better.
Time your shopping just right with the help of this Macy’s sale cheat sheet. Want to save money at Macy’s? Get an alert when there’s a great deal on Macy’s products. Shop regularly at Macy’s? You should consider Plenti, a free-to-join rewards program that allows you to earn and then use points on purchases. Other places that partake in the Plenti program include AT&T, Rite Aid and Hulu. Plenti rewards are even greater for Macy’s Credit Card cardholders. The store offers two credit cards: the Macy’s Credit Card and the Macy’s American Express Card. Cardholders can climb through three levels (Preferred, Elite, Premier Elite) based on their yearly spending at the retailer. The higher your level, the more bonuses (exclusive savings, shipping offers) you’ll receive. The Nerds generally don’t recommend opening up a retail store credit card as a new line of credit. Consider other options before you do. With expensive products like designer shoes and major items like mattresses, sometimes your bill at Macy’s can add up fast.
But the department store has plenty of coupon opportunities for savvy shoppers. Before you submit an order or head to your local store, check the retailer’s “Deals and Promotions” page. It organizes all of the store’s ongoing offers in one convenient place. In-store shoppers can print a physical coupon; online customers should enter any valid promo codes at checkout. If you really want to be a Macy’s insider, sign up for email and text alerts from the store. That way, you’ll never miss news about a sale or event. As an added incentive to join, you’ll receive a coupon for 15% off your first purchase of $100 or more when you create a Macy’s profile. If you’re a new app user, you may be able to score a one-time discount on your first depending on the store’s offer at the time. Shoppers can score free shipping on all beauty orders. For everything else, the store offers free shipping with a $99 purchase. If you don’t meet the $99 minimum, a $10.95 flat shipping fee is charged.