By Marshall Loeb

RISMEDIA, July 17, 2008-(MCT)-If you’ve been in the market for some new furniture, you may have noticed that it’s not cheap. But this is no time to get discouraged. With a little homework, you can find some great discounts.

Here, from Consumer Reports Money Advisor, are ways to find discounts on new furniture:

- Look for closeouts and damaged items. Many times furniture that is only slightly damaged will be marked down considerably. The damage can be hardly noticeable. For example, if you can live with a small spot on a cream-colored cushion, you may find yourself a nice deal.

- Don’t be afraid to negotiate. Just because there is a price on the label doesn’t mean it’s final. Often the salespeople are willing to offer discounts to move their inventory. If you can’t haggle for a better price, you might be able to get free delivery or something extra like a mattress cover.

- Look for rebates and coupons. If you put a little time into it, you may be able to find these discounts on the Internet. They may save you up to 10% on your purchase. Websites to check include www.ebates.com, www.upromise.com, and www.retailmenot.com.

- Say “no” to the warranty. If you have to pay extra for fabric protection and extended warranties, they are probably not worth it. Most furniture makers treat fabric with a protector anyway, and the extended warranty probably doesn’t make much sense. There’s a slim chance that you will need it.

- Remember to always compare prices on the Internet before you buy. Brand names are generally easier to quote than private-label products. For these, you may want to search using model names and numbers, as well as short descriptions.

Source: http://rismedia.com/wp/2008-07-16/how-to-find-discounts-on-furniture/