Tips for Ordering Furniture

You just found what you were looking for... and at a great price! It's time to place your order. The sales associate gives you an estimated arrival date for your furniture, and it's a good month before you are due... so all is good! At least it should be... but 4 weeks later you learn that your furniture is unexpectedly on back order?!?

There is enough going on in the lives of new parents... having to deal with product delays is an unexpected frustration... and occasionally this can occur (to both the retailer and the end consumer) unannounced... after the order has been placed, to say the least!

There are several reasons for product delays, one of which is within the retailer's control... and that is to place the order correctly with the manufacturer within 48 hours of the date of sale. Two other common reasons, which are tied to the manufacturer, include: a) supply and demand miscalculations and b) quality control problems.

"Just in time" inventory management is important, especially in today's economy, to the entire manufacturing sector... so accurate inventory forecasting is critical. If there are any significant miscalculations, either the manufacturer has excess inventory on hand or they have more orders than available product.

It's not a perfect science, but most lead time estimates do come through as planned. It's not in the retailer's, nor the manufacturer's, best interest to guess with this important topic. But considering the variables associated with the manufacturing process, not to mention the occasional trucking company delay, unexpected delays can occur.

The best way to manage the variables noted above is to buy early. Purchases made 14+ weeks out from your baby's due date allow for the vast majority of delays. Certainly many people order furniture, for a host of reasons, closer to their baby's due date. Having a bassinet ready for your new born is an effective back up plan... just in case.

The furniture manufacturing process is dynamic... and real wood furniture is made to order... two variables that effect the lead time. Hope this insight helps you in your quest for your dream nursery.