Buying a Mattress Online vs In-Store

Whether buying a mattress online or in store, you ultimately want to reach the same outcome. However, there will be noticeable differences at every stage of the process. While there is no single right or wrong approach for all, analyzing the key elements should help you make the right selection.

Research

Given the importance of the purchase, it is likely that you will spend some time researching different options before buying. It is one area where buying a mattress online instantly stands out as the best option.

You can conduct research by visiting brick and mortar stores. However, it is a time consuming process while the beds you see today might not necessarily be available when you are ready to make a purchase. Conversely, online research allows you to;

• Complete your research from the comfort of home,
• Conduct your research for free without spending money on travel,
• Complete a perfect mattress quiz to help narrow your search,
• View an extensive range of manufacturers and models,
• Read reviews and gain detailed insights into any shortlisted bed.

Researching mattresses online is a convenient and cost effective choice that can also deliver superior insights. However, if you are researching a particular model, in store research enables you to test out the mattress. 

Or if you want to check that a certain mattress firmness level is right for you, this is another matter you could test out in store.

Quality 

Mattress quality should be the priority for all consumers. A mattress should last roughly 10 years but a poor choice could force you into making a replacement far sooner, or endure years of uncomfortable sleep. As the old cliche states, buy bad and you will buy twice.

In store purchases are almost certain to provide great quality. Stores cannot afford to sell inferior or faulty products as they know customers will return them. Likewise, their local reputation will soon suffer, leading to a major loss of sales. Online purchases can be less reliable as;

• Some retailers will sell products that aren’t as listed,
• Private sellers may sell poor quality goods,
• Some private sellers may not even send the goods,
• Online sites may work as middlemen on behalf of inferior manufacturers,
• Some retailers might overlook quality testing.

However, buying a mattress online can still deliver the same quality as in store purchases. As long as you select a reputable retailer that uses premium quality materials and craftsmanship, your new mattress will be everything you wanted and more.

Check for foam density, moisture wicking, and the construction processes. Whether buying online or offline, U.S. manufactured mattresses should deliver the results you deserve.

Variety 

While in store mattress shopping matches top online retailers (and surpasses low quality online sellers) for quality, it cannot compete when it comes to quality. Brick and mortar stores only have a limited amount of space, which means you’ll see a limited selection of beds.

Many stores work specifically with one or two manufacturers, which instantly limits the variety. Moreover, a lot of stores will want to display the expensive models that generate the most profit or end of line models that must be shifted to make space. Online buying means;

• Access to every mattress stored in the retailer’s warehouses,
• A wider range of mattress styles and depths,
• A wider selection of bed frames for buyers who need these,
• More customization options on a variety of bed styles,
• Easier comparisons and filtered searches.

Despite gaining access to a wider selection of products, buying a mattress online can often feel more streamlined. If you know the desired firmness level or features required, such as cooling technology, you can navigate your way there with ease.

A wider selection affords a better chance of finding your dream mattress. Just be sure to confirm that you’re getting quality and value for money too.

Trial Periods

As stated, you could be sleeping on your new mattress for the next decade. So, while testing out a mattress in a store may seem like a major advantage, the truth is that a few minutes on the shop floor is not the same as eight hours night after night. Therefore, trial periods are vital. 

Most stores will give you a 30 day trial period, which does provide some peace of mind. In truth, though, buying a mattress online from a reputable company often gives you a longer trial. Wolf Mattress offers a 101 night trial. The benefits of this include but are not limited to;

• There is no risk of you confusing how a mattress felt with others in the store,
• You have a far longer time to confirm that the mattress works for you,
• Any problems should be noticeable in this time frame, 
• The added peace of mind allows you to buy a superior mattress with confidence,
• If you suspect a fault during this time, it’ll be easier to approach the firm for a return.

If you have completed your research and found a quality mattress aligned with your sleep preferences, the trial period will likely end without any issues. Still, the emotional safety net that it offers does make a difference to the buying experience.

For that reason, buying a mattress online is often a better choice than in store purchases. Not least because you are covered if something goes wrong.

Customer Experiences

Customer experiences extend to several key features. Customer support, the shopping experience, and the transaction itself are all vital elements. The face to face interactions of in store shopping may seem like the superior option. Nevertheless, offline experiences are often better.

When speaking to an advisor in store, you need to hope that they know what they are talking about and actively want to support you. You may get an expert, especially if it’s a family run business. Yet, an online experience guarantees;

• Access to instant chat agents often with 24/7 or very quick responses,
• Support from agents who are experts in mattresses and customer care,
• Assistance and personalized interactions driven by data,
• Transparency regarding stock and order status,
• Access to documented interactions, which give extra peace of mind.

In addition to superior customer care, buying a mattress online often allows you to pay with more payment types. Wolf Mattress offers PayPal, Venmo, and other payment types in addition to the traditional methods often used in store.

Both online and offline mattress purchases tend to offer repayment plans, especially as mattresses are a relatively expensive purchase. The best will offer 0% interest.

Deliveries

After conducting your research into mattresses, it’s only natural that you will want the product fast. This is another key topic when analyzing the prospect of buying a mattress online vs in store. An in store purchase will often lead to a same day or next day delivery.

This is a superior choice, but online retailers now provide quicker results than in previous years. So, you are unlikely to be left waiting weeks. The product will also be delivered to your door while a white glove service is often available too. Other issues to consider are;

• Will the company take away your old mattress?
• Does the retailer charge for a white glove service?
• Do they collect returns or expect you to arrange delivery to them?
• Is tracking info available?
• What are the fees for making a return?

Some of those issues, including tracking and return fees, may see you lean towards a reputable online retailer. Either way, a convenient delivery and smooth returns policy should be priorities for all consumers. 

As long as you will receive the mattress in a suitable time frame and without difficulties, the choice between online and in store purchases should not matter.

Whether buying a mattress online or in store, the key is to take your time. Finding the right mattress is imperative and will set you up for a decade of superior sleeping.