by Jeff Frank | Aug 2, 2022 | Ask the Expert, Furniture History, Furniture Stores, RTA Furniture, Uncategorized
Question: How did IKEA revolutionize the furniture industry? What was furniture shopping like before IKEA, and what strategies did they introduce that changed everything? Sept. 1, 2022 Answer: IKEA is a highly innovative worldwide manufacturer and retailer. Few people...
by Jeff Frank | Aug 1, 2022 | Ask the Expert, Brand comparisons, Couches, Furniture Upholstery, Sofas & Couches, Uncategorized
Question: Which brand of furniture is better quality? England Furniture or Craftmaster? Answer: In my opinion, Craftmaster is slightly better than England in quality. England Furniture is owned by LaZBoy. It is generally considered to be their “custom”...
by Jeff Frank | Jul 29, 2022 | American-Made Furniture, Ask the Expert, Bedroom Furniture, Brand comparisons, Dining Room Furniture, Furniture Manufacturers
Question: I’ve read that furniture stores double the price they paid the manufacturer before they sell to their customers. Is it possible to buy direct from furniture factories? Answer: Yes! Factories that sell to retail stores will not sell to individuals. But...
by Jeff Frank | Jul 28, 2022 | Ask the Expert, Brand comparisons, Couches, Furniture Brands, Sofas & Couches, Uncategorized
Question: I know what to shop for and what to ask, but are there any high-quality sofas out there that will last at least 15 years like my old sofa? When I priced a sofa through Taylor King, the price was around $3K. I was hoping to pay $1500, which I am realizing...
by Jeff Frank | Jul 27, 2022 | American-Made Furniture, Ask the Expert, Brand comparisons, Furniture Brands, Furniture Manufacturers, recliner, Reclining Furniture, Uncategorized
I have been deeply involved with new product design & upholstered furniture manufacturing over the past 30 years. Previously, I purchased over $100 million of furniture as a buyer for a major furniture retail chain in the 1970s & 1980s. Please send me your...
by Jeff Frank | Jul 21, 2022 | Ask the Expert, Beds & Mattresses, Furniture Sales Tactics, Furniture Warranties
Question: The mattress I am thinking about buying has a 10 year warranty. Is that a good quality mattress? Answer: The mattress warranty period has absolutely no relationship to quality. The author of this article was a mattress buyer for a Top 50 furniture retail...
by Jeff Frank | Jul 19, 2022 | Ask the Expert, Buying Furniture Online, Fabrics, Furniture Costs, Furniture Sales Tactics, Uncategorized
Question: Is it really possible to buy good quality fabrics at 50% off or better? Answer: The surprising answer is Yes! My background includes 15 years as the owner of a furniture manufacturing company. I have purchased thousands of yards of fabrics from dozens of...
by Jeff Frank | Jul 17, 2022 | Ask the Expert, Furniture Cushions
Question: Which type of back cushions are better? Attached or loose style? –Dolores July 17, 2022 Answer: Back cushions for top quality custom seating are dictated by the style. Both attached and loose variations will be highly durable and problem-free over a long...
by Jeff Frank | Jul 15, 2022 | Ask the Expert, Furniture Cushions, Outdoor furniture, Uncategorized
Question: We need to replace the foam in seats of our patio furniture. It is in a screen porch environment. We live in St. Simons, GA. and use the furniture for about 3 – 4 hours every day. The foam does not recover very fast after sitting on them. They have not...
by Jeff Frank | Jul 15, 2022 | Ask the Expert, Furniture Costs
Question: Found this desk that is almost perfect (would like it to be longer). It has all the storage I need and is backless. Double Pedestal Exec desk by Thomasville. You happen to have seen anything like this by chance? It is being offered for $160 (used.) Is that a...
