HOW-TO...

Choose a Furniture Store

Just because you can assemble furniture yourself doesn’t mean you should.

While a desk or shelving unit from a big box store may work in the home office, the spaces you dine, relax and entertain in should be filled with quality, wellmade furniture crafted of solid materials and fabrics that will last.

Choosing the right furniture for your home means choosing a furniture store. You may be able to get some ideas of what you’re looking for online, but you’ll always want to see, try out and imagine what those pieces will look like in your home.

Because you won’t always find furniture that suits your tastes or style, or works for your budget, the process can be challenging. But it can also be fun.

Here are some things to look for in a quality furniture store.

Quality That Lasts

Look for a store that sells quality, long-lasting furniture.

While inexpensive accessories can be bought cheaply and changed often, big furniture investments — sofas, dining tables, and the like — need to be purchased for the long term.

That means putting solid construction before a pretty style.

Solid construction isn’t always apparent at first glance. It should feel solid, not flimsy, of course. Beyond that, find out as much information as possible about the frame, materials and what kind of warranty it comes with.

A well-trained staff can inform you about their furniture, how they’re built and why the construction matters. The best stores have employees who act as guides and teachers, not pushy salespeople.

Value, Not Just Price

It is best to pay more for a quality piece than to try to save money on something that will not last in the long term. The bigger the investment, the more important the design and quality become.

Concentrate on finding the best value. An inexpensive sofa will not be a good value if it is built with cheap and weak materials. Likewise, the most expensive love seat will not be a wise investment if the frame is not built solidly.

It’s best to look for brands with a long track record and good reputation.

Service and Delivery

Every store has a different customer service policy.

Choose a store that is wellknown for being loyal to its customers.

Inquire about return policies. Some furniture stores will allow you to exchange an item within a certain time limit if it doesn’t meet your expectations. Learn what fees are involved if you have to return an item — if that is allowed at all.

Also, be certain to ask about the store’s delivery policy, including how much it costs, how far they’ll deliver and how quickly your furniture will arrive.

If you are comparison shopping, factor in the delivery cost when considering different stores. A low-priced couch will not save you money if it comes with an expensive delivery fee. It may be worth it to pay a little more for the couch if free or reduced cost delivery is available.

The bottom line is that there are only two things that matter: the quality of the furniture you are purchasing, and the level of service you receive. Once you discover them both, furniture shopping can be a fun experience that that will beautify your home for many years, and you can be happy and comfortable with the furniture for generations to come.

Select an Attorney

While there are some reputable online services that offer people the ability to complete simple legal tasks without hiring an attorney, most Americans at some point will need the services of a professional lawyer.

For many, the search for an attorney almost never begins under positive circumstances. Choices made during periods of duress can result in poor outcomes. No matter what your legal issue, it always pays to find a quality, professional lawyer before you need one.

Choosing the right attorney can mean the difference between freedom and a criminal conviction, losing significant money and assets in a divorce settlement or ensuring you don’t get taken advantage of in a business deal.

Opting to represent yourself under these circumstances is often a costly mistake. Attorneys know the laws and legal nuances that may help your case. They know how to work with other attorneys and can recommend the best legal strategy for your case. They also understand how to properly fill out the correct files, forms and paperwork.

Here are some factors to keep in mind when choosing a lawyer: Affordability

Settling for inexpensive legal representation can be a big mistake. Quality should always come first when it comes to attorneys.

The old adage “you get what you pay for” can apply here. Inexperienced lawyers may charge a lower hourly rate but may take longer to accomplish the same task as an experienced lawyer.

Also, never hire an attorney who has been disbarred in any state. And be wary of those who have been sanctioned by their state bar.

Experience

When selecting an attorney, be sure to find one who is experienced in the area in which you need assistance. For example, people who have been arrested for driving while intoxicated will require a criminal lawyer who concentrates in traffic law. Wills are best handled by estate planning lawyers.

Many lawyers have extensive experience in a variety of legal issues. It is vital that you hire a lawyer who practices the type of law you need.

References

Finding a quality attorney can often be as simple as asking your family or friends for referrals. If you are getting a divorce, look for people in your social network who have been through a divorce who were pleased with their representation.

You can also ask attorneys for references. A true professional should be able to provide you with recommendations from previous clients.

Fees

Most lawyers charge an hourly rate. In certain cases, such as personal injury, lawyers charge a percentage of recovery. In other areas, such as estate administration, some lawyers charge a percentage based on the estate value while other lawyers will simply charge for their time spent. This difference can save you thousands of dollars in many cases where the lawyer charges just for their time rather than a percentage, especially if the estate is large.

Online Ratings

Some websites rate attorneys. They are a great resource for client reviews. Don’t give positive or negative reviews too much credence, however. They can be subjective. Some of the comments are not truthful. Focus on comments about a lawyer’s skill, client courtesy and results.

Consultation

Schedule an initial consultation to meet an attorney and review your case. The meeting will allow you to discover if the lawyer is a good match for you. If not, schedule a consultation with someone else. You should not hire an attorney until you are satisfied that they have the experience and skill that you are looking for, that their personality and demeanor are a good match for you, and that you know what you will be charged or how you will be billed.

Ask questions during your consultation. Expect forthright answers. If you don’t feel satisfied, find another person to represent you. There are plenty of qualified local attorneys who will be willing to help.