From Oriental Rugs to an Even Trickier Purchase

Last month I wrote about what makes the purchase of an Oriental rug tricky. Here’s the thing –no one really needs an Oriental rug. There are plenty of alternatives such as standard carpet and anyone can go to the Nelson-Atkins Museum in Kansas City to get their art fix. Remember, when artistic expression meets floor covering, things can get tricky.

Still there are trickier things to purchase in this world that are among life’s undisputed necessities. On this list I personally consider mattresses to be among the most difficult things to buy. First, preferences vary from person to person. Some people prefer firm over plush and vice versa. Secondly, it’s not something we purchase everyday. Thirdly, it’s the piece of furniture we use in the house the most yet most of the time we’re not awake when we use it. Finally, manufacturers make literally tonnes of designs and models. It’s hard to keep it all straight.

As a librarian my recommendation would to be to start with Consumer Reports. In fact, according to CR, they receive “more inquiries about mattresses than about any other product except cars.” The thing is that even Consumer Reports is to an extent at a loss for words when it comes to mattresses. They give general advice but nothing even close the earful they’ll give you on Buicks or washing machines.

Due to personal preferences, one mattress may be great for one person and terribly uncomfortable for the next person. If you can give yourself some time, most likely you’ll find a good deal. Much like oriental rugs, mattresses seem to have a heavy mark down. Based on personal experience, some stores had the same “sales” for months on end. For the record, those really aren’t sale prices. If the “sale” price is offered for months on end, in my estimation that’s the “de facto” retail price. There’s a reason such “sale” prices are illegal in some places and many consumer advocates consider it to be a deceptive sales practice. My best advice is to shop around and look for clearance sales. About once or twice a year, many retailers sell their floor model mattresses at a significant mark-down. Provided you’re sure that it’s a good fit and can live without a warranty (for some reason consumers seldom use mattress warranties), those can be some of the best deals on earth. Aside from that, good luck!

On February 23, there will be a mortgage and credit score presentation with Brad Borrows from Brotherhood Bank and Trust at Kansas City, Kansas Public Library. This will take place in the Main Library on 625 Minnesota Avenue in the first floor computer lab and promises to be a most excellent presentation. Learn about how to obtain credit, improve your credit score, and even become a homeowner. There’s something valuable in this presentation for everyone. Until next time, catch me in the library.