Patio Sets

How to Compare Prices on Patio Sets – a Consumer Guide

You’d think that comparing prices on patio sets would be quite straightforward online – after all you can easily go from online store to online store without leaving your chair but there are some things to be aware of as you shop so make sure you have all the facts before you decide on one patio set or another or choose a retailer.

Ask yourself…

Are the Shipping charges included?

Sometimes you don’t find out about shipping charges until you check out. Shipping charges on patio furniture sets can be quite substantial in some cases as furniture is so heavy, bulky and expensive to deliver. If the web site does not state “free shipping” make sure you find out the delivery charges when doing your price comparison. (Go part way through checkout without actually checking out to find out if you have to).

Enjoy your patio set without paying too much!

Enjoy your patio set without paying too much!

How Much Discount?

You may see discount prices on patio sets but a discount price does not always mean much unless you are comparing prices on exactly the same patio furniture set from different retailers. Use your own judgment and the prices of similar items on other sites to determine value for money – not the 50% off discount price tag or spectacular discount voucher codes.

Even comparisons to retail or list price don’t help much unless a site is offering the cheapest price available (including shipping of course!) for that item. And a sale does not mean you are getting the best deal on your patio set either. Some retailers mark up prices high so they can have a sale with huge markdowns! You think you’re getting a great deal on quality patio sets but it’s just that the price has been hiked. You have to look at the actual prices and the quality of the patio furniture to determine value for money.

Are You Getting the Lowest Prices?

Well you may be but you can’t tell just by a website claiming that they offer the “lowest prices on patio sets” Always compare prices yourself on outdoor furniture. And even if a website offers a “lowest price or double the difference” still do your own checks because they may be gambling on most people not bothering to shop around or on them not being able to find exactly the same furniture. Many companies change the names on furniture to make price comparison almost impossible! If you want to pay low prices you have to make sure you find the low prices yourself.

A Retailer You Trust?

In most cases your order will be fulfilled without a hitch but when things do go wrong you’ll find you’re pleased to have paid an extra few dollars to buy garden furniture from a company you trust.  If you’re not sure ask around or even just read the consumer reviews online. Companies like Amazon allow a completely free rein for people to post both negative and positive reviews and as a result we tend to trust them!

A Fair Price?

That is really what you are looking for. Consider the quality of the product. Consider the company and the service you can expect from them. Consider the shipping charges and then make up you own mind about whether prices are fair for the patio sets on offer.

Patio Sets to Enhance Your Garden : Some Don’ts

Welcome to Patio Sets Online! As you know buying patio furniture is a big a decision so this site has has been set up to bring you all the information you need when buying.

The wrong patio set will not do anything at all for your garden or your enjoyment of it – and patio sets can be wrong for so many reasons. Here are the main mistakes to avoid when purchasing patio furniture sets.

1. Don’t choose a dining set or set of outdoor chairs which is too large for your garden or patio because it will immediately make your garden look small and cramped even if you were quite happy with it before. Patio furniture tends to be larger than similar indoor furniture and if you look at your outdoor furniture in a huge showroom or warehouse or just have an image online the size can be surprisingly deceptive. Go by the actual measurements rather than how a patio set looks in a picture or store.

2 Garden Chairs are not enough!

2 Garden Chairs are not enough!

2. Don’t buy too little. On the other hand make sure that your patio furniture set is large enough for your needs. If you often have 6 people sitting in your garden then you need seats (and potentially a garden table) for 6 (provided you have enough space!) – don’t buy one for 4. It can be difficult to go back later and buy matching items as many items of garden furniture are only sold in sets.

3. Don’t buy poor quality furniture that will fall apart in a short time. Make sure your garden furniture will look good for years with a patio set which is in a hard wearing material. Shabby outdoor furniture is not going to enhance the look of your backyard. The best materials for durability are hardwood such as teak, synthetic wicker or metal with an anti-rust coating. Be especially careful if your patio set has to stay outside all winter due to lack of indoor storage space.

4. Don’t just go by looks. Think about how comfortable the tables and chairs in the collection you are considering might be. We all love our gardens and want to enjoy sitting in them whether they are just small patches of earth, large apple orchards or live butterfly gardens so the chairs feel good too. Do the garden chairs force you to sit upright or do they recline to allow you to lie back in the sun? Are there special cushions available to fit the furniture?

5. Don’t just go by price. Cheapest price patio sets are not always good value. Highest price does not always mean best quality. Make up your own mind after comparing prices on patio sets from different retailers.

If you want more details about the best patio furniture to get for your home there’s more help in the many articles on this site. In particular take a look at our check list on how to choose patio sets.