Don’t Make These Classic IKEA Shopping Mistakes

published Apr 19, 2019
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(Image Credit: IKEA U.S.)

IKEA is a wonderland for shoppers on a budget, stuffed with everything you need to outfit your house—from complete kitchen setups to everyday essentials like lint rollers.

But pitfalls lurk within that famous maze of showroom displays, and if you’re not smart about the way you shop, all those inexpensive buys can end up costing you a lot of time and stress. (And, once you see the total, money.)

Here are some common mistakes to avoid.

1. Grabbing the first box you see

All the furniture parts are located in the self-serve area, and it’s tempting to grab the first boxes you see. But a good chunk of IKEA’s furniture is constructed from particleboard or soft wood, which dings and dents easily. Returning furniture to IKEA is a nightmare of long lines and dragging wait times, so inspect the contents of any box thoroughly before putting down your credit card.

Trust me: You don’t want to make multiple IKEA trips for one piece of furniture.

2. Forgetting to check availability

Not all products IKEA sells online are available in stores, and not all items in store are available online. Imagine how annoying it would be to make the trek all the way to a brick-and-mortar location only to find the piece you want out of stock.

Here’s the good news: You can check availability online before you go. But heed a word of warning—if the site says your nearest store has only a handful of the item you want, consider waiting until more are in stock, in case someone snaps them up before you arrive.

Checking availability is also essential for IKEA’s multi-part furniture. Before you go to a store, confirm that all the pieces you need will be there, including drawer fronts, frames, and hardware.

3. Skipping the “as-is” section

Because of its proximity to the cashiers, it’s easy to ignore the “as-is” section—why stop when you’re so close to the exit? But this area can be a treasure trove of deals, and in most cases, it’s restocked daily.

Approach this section with a loose game plan. Know what type of furniture you need, but don’t lock yourself into one style. And as with everything else, inspect anything you pick up very carefully.

4. Not signing up for IKEA’s loyalty program

IKEA Family boasts impressive benefits, and—better yet—it costs nothing to join. You get free coffee and tea in the restaurant, plus exclusive discounts and coupons, access to in-store workshops and events, and a 90-day price-adjustment period. Also, every time you scan your Family card in-store, you’re entered to win a $100 gift card. No complaints here!

5. Missing the shortcuts

It’s no secret that IKEA is designed to force you to walk through every section of the store, making you want to buy as much as possible.

Unless you know the shortcuts.

Keep your eyes peeled for swinging doors and openings that diverge from the main pathway; many are unmarked, but unless they say “Employees Only,” they’re usually okay to check out. You can also always ask an employee for a quicker route—most will be happy to oblige.

6. Getting sucked in by The Marketplace

Every IKEA shopper knows what it’s like to head to the store for one thing and come out with close to a dozen. And it’s usually all thanks to The Marketplace, where you can find every kitchenware, decorative accessory, hardware, textile, and small-storage piece under the sun. That’s why shopping IKEA with a plan is so important. These smaller items may go for bargain-basement prices, but they’re not doing you any favors if you weren’t planning on buying them to begin with.