The Differences Between Shopping For Patio Furniture At A

Patio Furniture Specialty Store Vs Discount Stores

When choosing to shop for patio furniture at a discount store or a specialty retailer the fundamental question to ask yourself is, is price the most important consideration? This is because the two stores have vastly different business goals. A discount store's business model is to provide products at the lowest price to the consumer. They strive to do this at a quality level that the customer will consider a value for their money. The specialty retailers business model is to offer the highest quality products, with the largest selection and with the most options available, at a fair price. Price is the bases of the difference between the two types of stores.

To keep prices down the discount store will choose a quality level in the price range they want to offer the item at. They will reduce the selection of styles and colors, because stocking fewer options allows then to buy in larger quantities at a lower production cost. They will import the product from over seas to further reduce cost and eliminate services such as in store warranties, delivery, and repair parts. The consumers trade off for lower price is less quality, fewer selections and shorter useful product life expectancy.

The specialty retailers know that they are at a price disadvantage. To overcome this they offer higher quality items in a vast array of styles and colors. Most specialty stores will special order what you want. They offer delivery and set up, in store warranty and or repair and replacement parts when needed. Instead of one or two colors choices there will be a dozen or more, instead of one or two fabric choices there will be hundreds. The specialty stores offer higher quality items, with more service, and greater useful life expectancy for the products sold.

This brings us back to that money question. If you can afford the extra cost of higher quality items, the specialty store will be the lowest cost long term. If the amount out of pocket today is the most important consideration, then the discount store is the way to go. Or to put it another way, if you want the patio furniture to be in use five years from now stay out of the discount store.

Quality differences: Most metal patio furniture is made from aluminum, either cast or extruded. The aluminum can be new or recycled. Recycled aluminum (primarily used for cast furniture) can contain impurities, the amount of impurities effects the brittleness or strength of the aluminum. For extruded, tubular aluminum the addition of other metals can increase the strength of the material but at a higher cost. The price of manufacturing aluminum furniture is effected by the weight (heavier furniture takes more materials) the purity of the metals, the complexity of the design and its detail, the type of finish, and the choice of welded verses bolted construction. To this we can add the quality of the fabrics used and the interior design of the cushions.

Lower priced imported patio furniture will have few color selections, be of bolt together construction, lighter in weight and made from lower quality aluminum. Other ways commonly used to reduce cost is to use plastic rather then fiber reinforced parts, simpler designs and the use of non stainless steel fasteners. Repair or replacement parts are often not available. Warranty service is almost always a problem.

Higher priced patio furniture are most often assembled state side, made from a heavier castings extrusion, of welded construction instead of bolted. Paint finishes are most often done using a very durable powder coat process applied here in the states, in compliance with our environmental laws. If the product is offered in six to twelve color choices it will be the powder coat process. The fabrics used are of higher quality with a larger selection. Cushions have a more supportive interior construction with enhanced drainage. The resin parts are UV stabilize and often fiber reinforced for longer wear. Because the painting and assembly is done state side, more accessory selection and options to complete your setting are often available. Repair parts are more likely to be available.  

Internet Stores: Internet stores often offer both specialty store merchandise and discount store merchandise. The Internet store offers the widest selection of goods and often at a discount. This discount comes from your willingness to receive a shipment at your home and unpack it. Warranties are handled long distance and can take some time. If you have the time to wait for your order, the Internet stores can save you money. Their real claim to fame is in the selection offered and the many choices in colors, fabrics, styles and accessories that enable you to get just what you want. They are an excellent resource for product information and to locate items not available locally. The key to choosing which Internet store should be longevity. Ask your self this, will they be around to assist me if there is a problem? The only measure of that is, how long have they been in business?

About the author: Mr Glasgow has been a merchant for forty five years. Having managed and or owned discount stores and specialty retail stores. For the past twenty two years Mr Glasgow has owned and operated Patiostore.com a specialty retailer of patio furniture and other related back yard products.