New Book By Furniture Expert Gives Consumers The Straight Facts

Furniture World Magazine

For the typical homeowner, shopping for furniture is a stressful experience. Not only is furniture usually the biggest investment a family will make after home and auto, most consumers simply arenít well-educated on the subject because itís not something they do very frequently. Thatís why walking into your local retail furniture store can be so intimidating. No one wants to buy cheap furniture that will start falling apart in 18 months, but on the other hand, falling victim to inflated retail prices is a real pitfall when buying quality furnitureóand if youíre not armed with the facts, thereís a good chance thatís exactly what might happen. However, it doesnít have to be that way! In his new book Shopping For Furniture: A Consumer's Guide, 2nd Edition (in stores September 2004), author Leonard Bruce Lewin dispels the mystery shrouding furniture shopping by providing a set of clear, unambiguous facts addressing every aspect a consumer faces when buying furniture. His 2-point goal is simple: 1) teach consumers how to identify good quality leather, wood, and upholstered furniture so they donít waste their time and money buying cheap merchandise (but also avoid buying off the top-shelf when all they really need is solid middle-tier), and 2) put shoppers in a negotiating position of strength by giving them the tools to bargain for a fair price. Says Mr. Lewin: "My passion is helping people buy the furniture thatís right for them. I want people to get a good deal, because generally the furniture store holds all the cards and shoppers are at their mercy. Thatís why my book is focused on education. If you have the facts, youíll be on even ground when your dealing with a furniture retailer. An educated customer commands respect, and will get more value for his money when working with a salesperson or designer." Shopping For Furniture: A Consumer's Guide, 2nd Edition is the only book like it on the market. It successfully guides the consumer through the complex and confusing process of buying furniture and still ending up with their sanity and checkbook intact. Witty, wry, and friendly, the book empowers the consumer with all the tools needed to save money, buy better, and enjoy the shopping process more. It lists top brands, manufacturers, and retailers throughout the U.S.A., and extensively discusses how to understand the furniture sale jargon seen in Sunday newspaper ads. It also teaches the shopper how to work with the designer or salesperson at your local retail store in order to get quality, stylish furniture at a fair price. A long-time furniture industry veteran, Mr. Lewin welcomes visitors to his website where they can contact him for free advice on furniture shopping: www.newfurnitureideas.com.