Aside from the amazing housewares and pressed-wood furniture, the Swedish retailer is also known for being inexpensive. That’s why shoppers from all walks of life, especially those trying to save money, love IKEA. It’s no wonder IKEA stores worldwide boast over 680 million customers every year.
However, a single IKEA store is humongous. So you’ll want to make a plan and know the IKEA shopping secrets before entering the blue and yellow building.
12 IKEA Shopping Secrets
This isn’t like other IKEA buying guides out there. Only a small percentage of customers understand the secrets behind shopping at IKEA. If you want to be in the know, let’s get started!
1. Always Shop Weekdays
Most IKEA customers prefer shopping for furniture and home goods over the weekend, preferably on Saturday. So, visiting IKEA on a weekday would be best if you want to avoid crowds. But to make it even better, go exactly one hour after it opens on weekdays. That’s the least busy time to shop.
2. 90-day Price Protection
It’s really frustrating if you buy an item and there’s a sale next week or month. But did you know that you can get a refund of the difference of any IKEA item that goes on sale?
But be sure to take your receipt back to the store where you shopped and do it within 90 days of your purchase. Plus, you need an IKEA Family card to enjoy this perk. (Keep reading to find out how to get one)
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3. IKEA Family Card
In addition to being free, IKEA Family cardholders can access exclusive discounts and promotions. These promotions also cover products online. Don’t be misled by the name, newlyweds or even a college student can apply for the program.
Plus, with this free card you can save 5% in-store on all furniture and décor.
“IKEA Family members now save 5% in-store on home furnishing products* every time they visit and on select delivery options**. Plus, you get special offers, free in-store perks, price protection, and more. It’s free to join, and you’ll be saving in no time.”
*Some restrictions apply, see full Terms & Conditions.
4. “Spare Parts” Section
Ever unpack brand-new IKEA furniture only to find that a crucial piece of hardware is missing? IKEA has a solution for that! Simply go to the “Spare Parts” section and pick up the missing parts. The section is always close to the returns and exchanges.
5. Start at the Exit
It’s a bit weird to start at the end, but there’s a good reason for it. IKEA’s warehouse, where all its actual inventory is kept, is typically right by the exit.
By going directly to the warehouse, you might be able to save some money by skipping the garish displays. Plus, it’s a great shopping secret if you’re prone to impulse purchases!
6. As-is Section on Mondays and Wednesdays
You can check out IKEA’s clearance area, the As-Is Section. The items in this section are either rarely-used items with minor dents or blemishes or even unopened and brand-new products. Even better, these items are on sale at a lower price. You can visit the As-Is Section near the checkout area.
Pro-tip, it’s a good time to go Monday mornings to get items in their best condition because most customers return them over the weekend.
But if you’re an IKEA Family member, you’ll save an additional 10% if you shop on Wednesdays. But either day is great to go for big savings!
7. Yellow Tags
Yellow-tagged IKEA items have extremely low prices, so you should grab them while supplies last! You can even shop the Low Price section online, where the costs are highlighted in yellow.
These IKEA products are either being transferred out of the store or being discontinued. But always check the discount as it can vary from store to store.
8. ‘Click and Collect’ Service
Use the Click and Collect service if you don’t like crowds or haven’t got all day to shop at IKEA. The service functions similarly to in-store pickups at other stores.
You place your order online, choose the best time for pickup, and staff members will have it ready when you arrive.
Plus, you don’t need to pay for shipping costs. Simply go to IKEA’s website, fill in your shopping cart, and select your local IKEA store for pick up.
9. Free Coffee or Tea
Aside from discounts, the IKEA Family loyalty program also offers members a free cup of coffee or tea. IKEA Family members simply show their cards the next time they visit, and they’ll have a free hot beverage.
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10. Shortcuts
IKEA’s physical store feels like a maze. That’s why you should always look for “shortcuts,” marked with blue signs and arrows around the store.
Plus, snag a map when you go in to know these shortcuts.
11. Assembly Services
Your IKEA shopping experience wouldn’t be complete without assembling some home furnishings. When you don’t know how to put your new IKEA purchases together, the staff will be pleased to assist you. Talk about great customer service.
12. IKEA Place App
To take your IKEA experience to the next level, download IKEA Place. It’s a free app that uses augmented reality (AR) to let you visualize furniture in your home before purchasing it.
The app lets you scale a 3D model of any furniture and suggest similar furniture. IKEA Place is available on Android and iOS. Check out the IKEA website to learn more about the IKEA Place app.
IKEA Shopping Made Easier
IKEA’s the best place to buy affordable home goods and furniture. But it’s difficult not to buy everything in the store due to their low prices.
But, if you take advantage of these shopping secrets, IKEA’s one of those locations where you can save a ton of money. We enjoy a good IKEA hack around here, and that’s no secret!
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